10 Things You Didn’t Know About Espanyol Football Club

1. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is said to be the sixth most successful football team in Spain, despite being continually overshadowed by the ever-popular FC Barcelona.

2. This was the first club to be formed exclusively by Spanish fans, unlike clubs like FC Barcelona, which were founded by immigrants. Ángel Rodríguez founded the club with the help of his school mates from the University of Barcelona.

3. The blue and white stripes on the shirt colors that were adopted in 1910 were inspired by the colors on the Catalan Admiral Roger de Lluria's shield. The admiral had sailed the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages in protection of Catalonia's interests.

4. The team has won a total of four cup titles through the years 1929, 1940, 2000, and 2006.

5. The current team of Espanyol FC started out playing in a large field near the Sagrada Familia before it moved to Sarnia and later to the Olympic Stadium. A new four star stadium, which will become the permanent home of the club, is currently under construction. The new stadium will have all the latest modern amenities including steps toward energy efficiency and handicapped accessibility.

6. In 1912, King Alfonso XIII awarded the club his patronage, giving them the right to use the “Real” (Royal) title as well as to depict the crown in their crest. The club changed its name to Real Club Deportivo Espanol, but changed it again several times due to external influences arising from the conflict in Spain.

7. Espanyol FC won its first Spanish Cup in 1929 when playing against Real Madrid in a 2-1 victory. History repeated itself in 1940 when they won their second Spanish Cup, once again while playing against Real Madrid, scoring a 3-2 victory.

8. When the Professional Football League, La Liga had just been formed in 1929, Pitus Prats scored the first goal in the competition's history. This was reminiscent of the first goal scored in Spanish Cup history, a victory achieved by Ponz.

9. In 1992, Espanyol Club became a sportive joint stock company.

10. In the summertime, Espanyol FC opens the doors of its Sporting City, where the players train and play matches, to the children of Turbula School for a sporting summer camp. The Club also runs a football school where children train and engage in competitions for internal trophies.

About the Author: Paul writes about Barcelona Group Travel and for Espanyol Football Tickets.