Football is a favourite spectator sport in Andalucia amongst a huge number of British and Spanish alike. The foreign influence has increased the popularity of football over the years and there are usually local matches, where you can support or even join the team. For foreigners living abroad, a football match can be a great way to meet like-minded local people in a relaxed, yet lively atmosphere. You might learn a few choice Spanish phrases that you should check out before you incorporate them into your everyday vocabulary!
Since so many British people have settled in Andalucia and especially along the Costa del Sol, over the last 20 years or so, there is now a large English speaking fraternity that follows the Liga BBVA and especially Malaga Football Club.
There are three Andalucian football teams in the Liga BBVA: Sevilla and Betis are both from the city of Sevilla, and the rivalry between the teams - and their supporters - is fierce. Betis spent two seasons relegated to the Segunda Division, but is now back in La Liga (2011-2012).
Malaga is an increasingly successful club, having finished 11th at the end of the 2010-2011 season, and with the added financial security of being owned by a Qatari sheikh.
The fourth major Andalucia football team is Granada, which finished the 2010-2011 season in fifth place in the Second Division of La Liga.
This is Andalucia’s oldest football club, with English origins. 
Sevilla’s big rival – their derbies are major local events.
This Arab-owned team currently features Julio Baptista.
This club dates from 1931, and has competed in La Liga since 1941.
