Sporting Gijón's London Embassy: A Decade of Red and White Passion in Madrid
The 'De Madrid al Cielo' supporters club celebrated its 10th anniversary in style after Sporting's crucial win at Leganés put them in playoff contention.
Madrid’s Red and White Corner Turns 10
There’s something proper special about supporting your club from afar. While most Sporting Gijón supporters enjoy their pre-match ciders in Asturias, a dedicated bunch have been keeping the faith alive in Spain’s capital for a full decade now.
The ‘De Madrid al Cielo’ supporters club (peña) celebrated their 10th anniversary last Saturday in absolutely perfect fashion - watching their beloved Rojiblancos secure three points at Leganés that pushed them into the promotion playoff spots. Talk about timing!
More Than Just a Meetup
After the match, the Madrid-based supporters gathered for a proper knees-up to honor several key figures who’ve kept the flame burning in the big smoke:
- Adrián Núñez - one of the founders and first president
- Xuacu Rodríguez - from the ‘Sentimiento Rojiblanco’ supporters group
- Pedro Juárez - vice-president of Unipes
- David Guerra - representing the club itself
Guerra, Sporting’s executive vice-president, delivered a right touching speech, noting that “this is much more than just getting together, it’s a feeling” - which, if you’ve ever spent time with Spanish football supporters away from home, rings absolutely true.
Club Connection
The supporters didn’t leave empty-handed either. Guerra presented them with a special shirt signed by the entire squad - proper decent gesture that shows the club values these distant devotees.
The celebration was hosted by the current president Diego García Monsalve and even featured a special guest appearance from Sporting legend Enrique Morán, who starred for the club in the 1970s before spells at Betis, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
Why It Matters
These supporter groups are the lifeblood of Spanish football culture. While the Premier League has gone all corporate and tourists fill the stands, these peñas maintain the authentic connection between clubs and fans.
For Sporting, currently fighting for promotion back to La Liga, having passionate supporters spread across the country only strengthens their case as one of Spain’s most beloved clubs.
With the team now sitting in the promotion playoff spots after that crucial win at Leganés, these Madrid-based supporters might just be dreaming of top-flight away days next season. Ten years of loyalty deserves that reward, doesn’t it?