Malaga - Real Madrid

The first stone of Estadio La Rosaleda was laid on 21 June 1936, however due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War it took four years for building works to actually start.

The first match at La Rosaleda was played on 13 April 1941. Málaga, then still called Malacitano, beat guests Ferroviaria 6-0. The match had been put forward due to the destruction of the pitch of Malacitano’s old ground by a thunderstorm.

Estadio La Rosaleda officially opened on 14 September of the same year with a match between Málaga and Sevilla. The stadium back then counted with a capacity of about 8,000 places.

In the following years, La Rosaleda got gradually expanded, and the construction of a new two-tiered east stand in 1965 resulted in a capacity of about 22,000.

Estadio La Rosaleda was selected as one of the playing venues for the 1982 World Cup, and therefore needed further expansions. Second tiers were erected on the remaining single-tiered stands, the pitch was lowered to create extra rows of seating, and the rest of the stadium got extensively refurbished.

During the World Cup, La Rosaleda hosted three first round group matches. Capacity at that time was about 37,000.

The stadium remained practically unchanged for the next 20 years, until in 2000 a major redevelopment program was started. Over a period of six years, La Rosaleda got gradually rebuilt and renovated, resulting in more cover, increased hospitality facilities, and better comfort, but also a reduction in capacity to under 30,000.

How to get to La Rosaleda

Estadio La Rosaleda is located in the north of Malaga at less than 2 kilometres from Malaga’s cathedral in the historic city centre. The walk to the stadium can be made in 20 to 30 minutes.

Malaga’s main railway station lies about 1 kilometre further away. There is no direct bus from the railway station to the stadium, but a 10-minute walk brings you to the centre from where there are various options.

Most buses depart from the Alameda Principal. If you take bus 17 (to La Palma), get off at stop Avda. Dr. Marañón. If bus 26 (to Alegría de la Huerta), get off at stop Rosario Pino. And if bus 2 (to Ciudad Jardín), get off at Jorge Silvela. In all cases the ride will take less than 10 minutes, which will be followed by a few minutes walking.

Capacity: 30,044 seats