Читать книгу Now You Know Big Book of Sports онлайн

125 страница из 137

Why does Valencia FC have a bat on their crest?

Valencia and the Balearic Islands were conquered by King James I of Aragon during the first half of the thirteenth century. In that period, the sight of a bat was considered to be an omen of good luck. On October 9, 1238, when James I was about to enter the city of Valencia, re-conquering it from the Moors, it is said that a bat landed on the top of his flag. He interpreted it as a good sign. When he conquered the city, the bat was added to its coat of arms. Valencia FC has adopted it for their crest.

Quickies

Did you know …

that Spanish teams are limited to three players without EU citizenship?

What is El Clásico?

El Clásico is any football match between rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The rivalry comes about as Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities in Spain, and they are often identified with “Spanish-ness” and Catalanism, respectively.

Quickies

Did you know …

that on May 4, 1949, a plane carrying Italy’s great Torino team, winners of four straight Italian league titles and considered one of the best clubs of the first-half century, crashed into the Superga hills near Turin, killing everyone on board, including eight players slated to compete for Italy in the 950 World Cup?