The final of the European Cup on a shoestring budget: How the poorest club in Madrid shocks Europe
A very poor club can still win the European Cup. Here are some facts about Real Valladolid, which will play in the final today.
• The club has the lowest budget in La Liga, and its stadium is also the smallest in La Liga.
• There are no online ticket sales; tickets can only be purchased at stadium ticket booths, where long lines form.
• The club’s store is as small as a closet.
• The condition of the stadium has been described as unacceptable twice. Before the season started, the stadium was closed for three months.
• There are rats running around on the dilapidated stadium. Water supply is often cut off, and there isn’t enough electricity supply. Once, the video assistant referee didn’t work due to a power outage.
• This is Real’s debut in European competitions, and they’ve already reached the final.
But some see this as a certain charm. Forward Sergio Camusco calls Real “the last team from another era.”
At 10 PM today, the Madrid team will compete for a historic title against Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace spent almost 21 times more on transfers this season.