¡¡¡Fútbol!!!
One of my first experiences in Chile was being taken to a football game by my friends. All of my friend’s family are “hinchas” (fans) of Union Española. The first surprise was that it is possible to park right in front of the stadium. The stadium was unfortunately quite empty, however the supporters present made up for it. My vocabulary in swear words increased significantly in these 1.5 hours. Despite the win of the home team, the fans were disappointed with the coach, who was addressed as “ratón” (mouse), referring to having pursued a too conservative strategy.
A quite different experience was watching the game Universidad de Chile (La “U”) vs. Alianza Lima in the Copa Santander Libertadores. The stadium was packed and the police force on their guard. It proved to be necessary at the end of the game to protect the referee, as he made an unpopular decision. Emotions were high in the stadium as a match against a Peruvian team is apparently always critical. The atmosphere was infectious even for me and by the second half I was singing along too.
One interesting fact about football matches in Chile is that it is not possible to buy beer in the stadium, but people are allowed to bring flares with them. Going to football games in Chile is definitely an exciting experience and due to my friends I was fortunate to experience the “real deal”.
The stadium of the Chilean football club Union Española
The stadium at dusk
Check out: How to watch a football match in Chile
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I have been to many football matches in Chile. The best ones with the most “energy” are the international matches when Chile is qualifying for the World Cup (so they’re not just a friendly match with nothing at stake). It’s great to experience being in the Estadio Nacional (National Stadium) when it is filled with red shirts (national colour) jumping up and down and chanting.
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