Games

The Peña Atlética de Alemania was once again present at Peñas Day, just as we have been every year since becoming an official supporters’ club. Because kilometres are no excuse when it comes to Atleti, and because, even though we live scattered across Germany, there are occasions that are always worth coming back for.

This year, we were also celebrating the launch of an initiative that we think is a brilliant idea: dedicating each edition of Peñas Day to a different province or region, highlighting the culture and traditions of the people who keep the red-and-white passion alive throughout Spain. And when the chosen destination is Asturias, with its music, its food and its very own way of enjoying life, well, you can imagine how we could possibly have stayed away!

• Match: VfB Stuttgart vs. Atlético de Madrid
• Location: Stuttgart, Germany

Monday: Meet & Greet, Reunions, and Gala Dinner

The trip kicked off on Monday with the arrival of the first fan club members in Stuttgart, full of excitement for what was to come. The highlight of the day was the exclusive Meet & Greet held at the team hotel, where 10 lucky members of our peña had the opportunity to meet Dávid Hancko and Marc Pubill in person. It was an unforgettable encounter, filled with laughter, hugs, and even a few emotional kisses!

What a night it was! I still have goosebumps and my heart is racing. Being in a Champions League semi-final is that dream we keep dreaming and, above all, keep believing in with all our soul.

The trip from León was an absolute luxury. Traveling on the coach with the folks from the Nunca dejes de creer and Furia Leonesa fan clubs is a whole different story; you forget about the exhaustion of driving and, most importantly, the nightmare of finding a parking spot. They drop you right there, you gather with your people, and you just enjoy. Plus, we had a special expedition: Hooliana didn’t want to miss the date. I headed straight to the singing stand (grada de animación), but my dear Shiyau, her adoptive mother, took charge of the “secret operation” to get her into the stadium and pamper her so she’d “take the bait”… and boy, did she! Just in time to see Julián’s goal.

What began as an expedition fueled by faith from the Peña Atlética de Alemania ended up being a true ordeal that we wouldn’t wish upon our worst enemy. We landed in Faro on Friday the 17th with suitcases full of scarves and our voices ready, but little did we know that Saturday in Seville held a survival obstacle course designed by the enemy. We parked near La Cartuja, and right there, the football ended to make way for third-world conditions.

Another trip to London was on the agenda, so I headed to Heathrow on Tuesday full of confidence. A journey with Deutsche Bahn always holds surprises—and this time was no different: I just barely caught my early-booked train, which eventually arrived in Frankfurt with a one-hour delay. There was just enough time for the security checks and a quick “cold one” before jumping on the plane.

Arriving in London on time with the best possible weather, I checked into the hotel quickly and set off to pick up the tickets. I already ran into the first familiar Atleti there (well, you get recognized these days as a frequent traveler of the German fan club 😊). With ticket and wristband in hand, I took the Tube two stops to the world’s first Hard Rock Café (est. 1971) in Green Park Lane. After a good meal and a few pints, I walked back to the hotel.