When Girona FC fans make the 1,426-mile journey from their hometown to watch their team play La Liga rivals Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, it marks the longest away day in domestic European football.
Girona supporters therefore take the title as most well-travelled football fans in Europe, considering the trip roughly equates to flying from London to Athens.
This season, Girona have taken La Liga by storm and have placed themselves alongside Spain’s footballing giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Earlier in the campaign they were right in the thick of the title race, sitting top of the table in early December, but recent results have seen them drop off the pace.
However, Girona remain in pole position to qualify for next season’s Champions League which will be their first appearance in Europe’s premier competition, as they sit seven points ahead of Atletico Madrid in third.
Girona, part of the well-financed City Group, have caught their rivals by surprise this season, is only their fourth-ever campaign in La Liga, and when they play Las Palmas for the first time, they will become the most well-travelled football team in Europe.
To put into perspective how long of a trip the Girona players have to embark on, their journey is more than double the length of travelling from the northernmost point of the UK to the bottom.
In simpler terms, their trip is roughly the same length as 21,866 professional football pitches.
The trip from Barcelona to the Canary Islands is also four times further than the longest Premier League away day between Newcastle and AFC Bournemouth.
Embed from Getty ImagesDelfi Geli, President of Girona FC, commented on the trip recently and says it is incredible that so many fans make the journey despite the distance.
He said: “Fans are the cornerstone of Girona FC and have been absolutely fundamental in our strong performance this season. It’s incredible to think that the team is so well supported in Gran Canaria, despite the distance and schedule change. We know that it will mean a lot for the players, who really feel their presence and energy as we look to finish a magic season for us.”
Josep Díaz, a 67-year-old Girona FC fan who travels with his partner, says he couldn’t possibly consider missing the game after what has been a tremendous season for the club.
“Despite being the longest trip of the season, I couldn’t miss this game live’, he said.
“The season has been spectacular, we have already qualified for European competitions, which is a success, but I want to be supporting the team in the final stretch to help reach that very deserved Champions League spot. And besides that, Gran Canaria is a great tourist attraction to enjoy the visit beyond the match!”
