My experience of the atmosphere of La Rosaleda Stadium in Málaga match of Málaga CF. From transport struggles to an unforgettable evening of football, here’s a detailed fan review.
The Reason I Couldn’t Miss This Match
Two Saturdays ago, on August 9th, I headed to Estadio La Rosaleda to watch a special pre-season clash between our local team, Málaga CF, and the visitors from Seville, Real Betis Balompié. While technically a friendly, the game carried extra weight—it was played for the prestigious Costa del Sol Trophy.
As a passionate football fan, there was no way I could miss the chance to see this live. And I’m glad I went, because the night turned out to be full of excitement and memorable moments.
The Transport Struggles Before Kick-off
As an expat living in Málaga, I rely on public transport (mainly buses) to get around, since I don’t have my own car here. Normally, Málaga’s bus network is reliable enough. But on matchday, it was a different story.
Surprisingly, there were no extra bus services or increased frequency to handle the large crowds heading to the stadium—something I’m used to seeing back in my home country, Poland. This lack of planning made it much harder to arrive on time.
I planned to take the Line 15 bus, which stops near my home and goes towards La Rosaleda. Unfortunately, the buses were delayed, completely packed with fans, and one even drove past without stopping because it was full to the brim. Ordering an Uber or Bolt was an option, but the prices were higher than my match ticket, so I decided to wait patiently.
Thankfully, I eventually managed to squeeze into a later bus, arriving just in time to hear the referee’s first whistle as I stepped onto my stand.
Approaching the Stadium – The Matchday Buzz
Once the bus dropped us off a few hundred meters from the stadium (due to road closures around the arena) I joined the stream of fans walking towards their gates. This short walk is always one of the best parts of the experience, filled with chanting, flags, and the anticipation of the game.
At the gate, my advice is simple: don’t be too polite – move forward confidently, or you might end up stuck at the back of the queue. After getting through the entrance, finding my seat wasn’t completely straightforward, but helpful staff quickly pointed me in the right direction.
My spot, Row 15 behind one of the goals, offered a great view. La Rosaleda isn’t as massive as Santiago Bernabéu or Camp Nou, which means every seat feels close to the action – you can see the players’ faces without binoculars.
The Match – Goals, Drama, and Passionate Fans
The match started with a scare – just five minutes in, a fan in the stands nearby collapsed. Medical staff responded quickly, and after a short pause, the game continued.
From there, it was Málaga’s night. The home team beat Real Betis 3–1, with two of the goals scored at the end I was sitting behind- giving me a perfect view of the ball hitting the back of the net. After the final whistle, the trophy presentation took place, followed by the players walking around the pitch to thank the fans.
What impressed me most, however, was the atmosphere in the stands. Sure, there were the usual competitive chants aimed at the away fans, but overall, Málaga supporters created a joyful, electric environment. I even recorded some of the chants and sent them to family and friends, who were just as impressed.
A special mention should also go to the applause and warm chants directed at Isco and Manuel Pellegrini, both now part of Betis but with strong ties to Málaga CF in the past. This mutual respect between fans and former club figures was truly heartwarming.
Why You Should Go to a Match at La Rosaleda
In summary, I can absolutely recommend visiting Estadio La Rosaleda – not just for a stadium tour (which I’ve written about before) but for the full matchday experience. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply curious, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening in Málaga.
I paid around €30 for my ticket, but prices can vary depending on the sector and the type of match. No matter the cost, the atmosphere, energy, and connection with the fans make it well worth it.