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[title]Football is, par excellence, one of the most passionate sports in the world, and the Argentine fan lives it like no other. From Time Out, we went to matches of two of the most important teams in Argentina, Boca Juniors and River Plate. We experienced them as just another fan and tell you all the details.
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Football is a national passion, and any football follower should live the Homefans, an UK-based marketplace offering authentic sports experiences with a global presence in 40 countries and 95 destinations. Sports fans, both Argentine and foreign, can share the passion for a team jersey in the best football stadiums and also experience firsthand all the pre-game excitement (which is as intense as the matches).
Our experience at La Bombonera: the temple of football
On Saturday, May 25, for the third round of the Professional League tournament, in the match against Talleres, we went to La Bombonera. Homefans picked up all of us who were part of the experience with a minibus. But before reaching the stadium, we made a mandatory stop at La Previa de Mari, a meeting point near the field where fans gather to sing and celebrate with drums and flares.
The atmosphere generated is electrifying, and both foreign and local fans mix to soak in the pre-game ambiance of an Argentine football match. Taking photos, filming, and experiencing first-hand what a Boca fan usually lives is part of the charm of this experience.
Entering La Bombonera was imposing
We were greeted by the roar of the crowd with their chants and drums, filled with flags. Quickly, we began to realize that the experience is much more than a simple football match since the constant energy of the stands makes each of the tourists, who perhaps initially seemed shy, catch the Xeneize passion and feel part of the ritual.
Although the match ended in a goalless draw, the celebration was unique. We also enjoyed the classic choripán from the stadium, which clearly made the experience complete. Before leaving, there was a group hug with the chant "Ole, Ole, Boca, Boca."
We also visited El Monumental: the largest stadium in America
And to complete the experience, we also went to El Monumental during the match between River and Tigre, in which the Millonario won 3-1. In this case, the pre-game was at the Banda restaurant inside the stadium.
We tried a huge variety of food: from cold cuts, empanadas, sushi, choripanes, tortilla, and many other delicacies. Without a doubt, the best way to spend the pre-game. Of course, when it was time for the match to start, we took two steps and went down to the stands. Awesome!
The first impression upon reaching the seat and seeing the stadium full, shouting and singing for their team and filling the stands with color, is truly overwhelming for any fan. Something unique in the world. Oh, and at halftime, we went to grab a bite again at Banda.
The match was quite entertaining, with several goals, and as usual, the crowd brought warmth to the cold Buenos Aires night. To the rhythm of "Se viene la banda de River," the local fans made the Monumental stadium vibrate and showcased the best essence of Argentine fan passion.
Without a doubt, the experience Homefans offers is something any passionate football fan should live. And beware, you can go not only to Boca or River's stadiums, but there are many more clubs available. To find all the options they offer, visit their website.