Levante

Levante Unión Deportiva, commonly known as Levante, is a historic Spanish football club founded in 1909 in the vibrant city of Valencia. The club's origins trace back to the Levante district, a working-class neighborhood near the port, and its identity is deeply intertwined with the city's maritime and industrial heritage. The team is affectionately nicknamed "Los Granotas" (The Frogs), a moniker stemming from their early green kits and the swampy area near their original ground. The club's home is the Estadi Ciutat de València, a 26,354-capacity stadium located in the city's Orriols district. While Levante has lived in the shadow of its more illustrious city rival, Valencia CF, it has carved out a proud history defined by resilience and occasional giant-killing. Their most significant achievement remains reaching the Copa del Rey final in 1935 and again in 2021, though they are yet to win a major trophy. They have also participated in European competition, notably reaching the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2012 after a historic fourth-place La Liga finish. Levante's playing style has often been characterized by grit, tactical discipline, and a strong team spirit, frequently punching above their financial weight. Legendary figures include the prolific striker Mustapha Riga, midfield maestro Duda, and the iconic captain Juanfran. The club's fanbase, known for its passionate and loyal support, fuels a fierce local rivalry with Valencia CF in the "Derbi Valenciano." Currently, Levante competes in Spain's Segunda División, following relegation from La Liga. Despite this, the club remains a beloved institution, celebrated for its community roots and its remarkable 2021 Copa del Rey run, where they eliminated top-tier sides before falling to Barcelona in the final. An interesting fact is that Levante was one of the founding members of the Valencian Football Federation in 1909, cementing its foundational role in regional football.