The visit to Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata was the kick-off of my trip to Argentina and in the end, it exceeded my expectations enormously. We began the day by visiting the sede social of the club where were offered a shirt by the club and we got to see their multi-sports facilities. Later we went to the stadium where the surprises just kept on coming. We were allowed to enter the pitch before the match, could enter the players tunnel and could visit the players bench where Diego Maradona spent his last spell as a coach. The match in itself was great too where we saw goals at both sides and where we could experience both watching the game from the platea and the popular. It's one of the most complete football experiences you can have in Argentina!
As part of the fecha de los clásicos, I visited the Derby de Avellaneda (Independiente - Racing Club) and I had a blast! The organization by Nacho, Alvaro and Valentín of taking a big group to this football party par excellence, was amazing. It was incredible to see how close El Cilindro of Racing Club was to the stadium of Independiente, which emphasizes the importance of this rivalry. The stadium of Independiente was unique too with la Garganta del Diablo, one of the most remarkable elements I ever saw inside a football stadium.
At the start of 2020, I decided to return to South America to go to the holy grail for every lover of football culture: Buenos Aires. And although this trip had been my dream for over a decade and my expectations were mighty high, it still surpassed my expectations by a thousand miles. The Cinco Grandes, the smaller stadiums and the fecha de los clásicos; this journey had it all. If I knew I had only 3 weeks to live, I would purchase the Ultimate Argentina by Homefans again without thinking twice.
A big word of thanks goes to Alvaro and Valentín, the Homefans trip managers in Buenos Aires. I am aware that my plan to see as many matches as possible was a tremendous challenge, but these guys managed to unburden me with their excellent service throughout the entire trip. They both deserve a wellness arrangement :). In addition, Alvaro and Valentín are more than just sales reps. They truly care about the travelers and they assure the complete Argentinian experience by joining us at a typical bar or restaurant for example. Can't thank you guys enough!
Fantastic! As a football fan you can not ask for more than floodlights and one of the biggest derbies in the country. The atmosphere around the stadium was electrifying and the atmosphere inside was at boiling point. In any case, it is important to arrive at the stadium with some time.
Our guide Nacho was also fantastic! With a lot of background knowledge about the rivalry between Independiente and Racing, he has rounded off this experience wonderfully.
I can only recommend this tour to everyone and will definitely come again!
I had a great time again in South America and this match was on the bucket list for many years and lived up to the hype. I had gone to San Lorenzo earlier in the day with a friend and these guys waited for me after the game to take me to Avellaneda. They are obviously well connected in terms of football in Buenos Aires and I would highly recommend booking a trip with them to any game. They will look after you. Do not hesitate to ask them a question prior to booking. Thanks to Valentin and Alvaro, two top lads. Thanks to all the guys at HOMEFANS/COPA90 who make trips like this possible for crazy groundhoppers like myself! Cheers.
Inaki Dauwe