Villarreal

The Estadio de la Cerámica is the compact and characterful home of Villarreal CF, located in the small town of Villarreal (Vila-real) in the province of Castellón, Valencia. Opened in 1923 as El Madrigal — a name by which the ground is still affectionately known among supporters — the stadium underwent a major transformation in the 2010s and was officially renamed Estadio de la Cerámica in 2018 following a naming rights deal, a reference to the ceramic tile manufacturing industry for which the region is famous. It currently holds around 23,500 spectators.

Despite representing a town of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, Villarreal have become one of Spain's most consistent Europa League and Champions League competitors. The Cerámica has hosted some stunning European nights, most memorably during the club's run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2006 and their historic Europa League triumph in 2021, when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the final. Those runs saw the little stadium become famous across the continent for its atmosphere — remarkable for a ground of its size.

The stadium features four enclosed stands and an intimate setting that creates a strong home advantage. Villarreal's record attendance at the ground stands at approximately 23,000. Though modest in size compared to most La Liga venues, the Cerámica is a testament to how a well-run club in a small community can punch far above its weight on the European stage, and it remains one of the most charming grounds in Spanish football.