Madrid was place to be in the spring of 2016 for soccer fanatics the world over and that is where the Siena Heights University women’s soccer team headed with Global Football, traveling with us for a second time.
The Spanish capital’s two prominent professional soccer clubs – Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid – both qualified for the prestigious UEFA Champions League final. The Saints women’s soccer players arrived in the city celebrating the success and toured the famous Real Madrid Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as part of their sightseeing.
The Saints took on local club EFFA Alcobendas at the Campo de Futbol Parque Navarra, losing 4-2. then the following day, two Siena Heights squad faced Sporting Madrid split teams simultaneously at Campo de Futbol de la Aldehuela, winning 11-0 and 2-1.
While away from the soccer pitch, the traveling group enjoyed the sights of Madrid, a walking tour of the city of Zaragoza, spent time at the beachfront town of Sitges, and also visited Barcelona. In the Catalan capital, they toured the famous F.C. Barcelona Camp Nou Stadium & Museum, Park Guell, Montjuic Olympic sites and Sagrada Familia and took in a flamenco performance.
In 2014, the Siena Heights women’s soccer team traveled to Italy with Global Football, touring Sienna and Viterbo and faced two Serie A club opponents, Lazio and Firenze. That visit was in association with the men’s football team, but for the first time, the Saints are traveling as a separate entity.