On This Day – 10th February
It was on this day in 1929 that the Spanish La Liga was formed.
The first match to be played in the competition was between Real Madrid and a club called CD Europa. Real won 5-0 and are currently top of La Liga. CD Europa currently play in the Tercera Division, the fourth tier of Spanish football.
Barcelona were the first title winners in 1929 when ten clubs competed in the first season. Athletic Bilbao were the most successful side in the early years, winning the La Liga Championship in 1930, 1931, 1934 and 1936. They finished runners up in 1932 and 1933 with Real Betis winning their only title in 1935.
The Primera Division was suspended during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939 but carried on during the Second World War.
Only 9 clubs have won the championship since La Liga began and 62 clubs have played in it for at least a season.
Of the 9 teams to win La Liga, Real Madrid hold the record, having lifted the trophy 33 times. Their arch rivals Barcelona are the second most successful side, having won it 26 times.
Former England manager Terry Venables guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in 1984/85. That Barcelona side then went on to the European Cup Final the following season but lost to Romanian side Steau Bucharest on penalties in the Final.
There have been 20 Englishmen to play in La Liga and they are:
David Beckham, Gary Lineker, Steve McManaman, Vinny Samways, Kevin Richardson, Michael Owen, Dalian Atkinson, Laurie Cunningham, Jermaine Pennant, Adrian Heath, Patrick Roberts, Sammy Lee, Jonathan Woodgate, Peter Barnes, Mark Draper, Stan Collymore, Charles L’anson, Harry Lowe, Raphael Meade and most recently Kieran Trippier.
Englishman Jonathan Woodgate was a surprise signing for La Liga giants Real Madrid when he joined them in August 2004 from Newcastle United.
He had quite a memorable debut for Real Madrid too as he came on as a substitute for Ivan Helguera, scored an own goal and got sent off!
Despite going on to make 14 appearances for Real Madrid and scoring at the right end in a Champions League against Rosenborg, Woodgate’s time at the club wasn’t considered a success.
Mark Hughes and John Charles were two Welshmen who performed well in the Spanish top division, playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
It is still considered by many as one of the top leagues in the world and with such great players playing for some illustrious clubs, that is set to continue for many years to come.
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