In brief
Among all sports, European football stadiums have some of the most unique atmospheres.
Some of the continent’s most daunting venues are historic ones like Anfield and Ibrox.
At their finest, Old Trafford and Camp Nou can also produce amazing settings.
When it comes to the Champions League knockout stages, it’s simple to assume that only the genuinely best teams will prevail. But that has repeatedly been shown to be untrue. For instance, Borussia Dortmund. Few would have predicted them to advance past their group of death at the beginning of the 2023–24 season, much less make it to the championship game.
A number of mitigating factors may influence a certain outcome. The strength of the 12th guy is one of them. On the most difficult nights, stadiums that can produce the most eerie atmospheres can occasionally give their players the advantage. In light of this, we have compiled a list of the top ten stadiums in Europe with the best atmosphere.
The Greatest Stadium Ambience on European Evenings
The stadium
Club
Capacity
1.
Iduna Park Signal
Dortmund Borussia
81,365
2.
Celtic Park
Celtic
60,441
3.
Anfield
Liverpool
61,276
4.
The San Siro
Inter Milan and AC Milan
75,817
5.
Ibrox
The Rangers
51,700
6.
RAMS Park
Galatasaray
52,600
7.
Olimpico Stadium
Lazio and AS Roma
72,698
8.
Nou Camp
Barcelona
99,354
9.
Stadyumu Tupras
Besiktas
42,590
10.
Trafford, Old
United Manchester
74,310
10Old Trafford
Manchester United
Many individuals seated in the stadium’s cramped away corner claim that Old Trafford is collapsing, yet when Manchester United is playing at its best, the only thing causing the roof to collapse is the supporters. There isn’t much like the Theatre of Dreams at its best, even though it may not be in the ideal shape right now and Stretford End fans may not have had much to celebrate recently.
It will undoubtedly mark the end of an era if plans to build a new stadium proceed. The team, nevertheless, will be eager to maintain the culture that was established within the four stands that have withstood both World Wars and even Louis van Gaal’s playing philosophy.
9Tupras Stadyumu
Besiktas
Timo Werner once asked for a substitution during a match at the Tupras Stadyumu because the loudness made him feel lightheaded while he was at RB Leipzig. Besiktas supporters are known for their thunderous cheers at the stadium. The striker even attempted to tune out the deafening clamour using earphones, but the unrelenting applause was too loud to ignore.
Besiktas won the Turkish Super Lig championship on the grounds of the Tupras Stadyumu, which was opened in April 2016. Although the stadium’s attractive surroundings give the impression that it is calm and tranquil, the noise of the Besiktas supporters is audible inside.
8Camp Nou
Barcelona
One of the most successful clubs in the world plays its home games at Camp Nou, the biggest stadium in European football with a capacity of around 100,000. Although the Barcelona supporters have seen some of the best teams ever play, they have never been obliging bystanders. The supporters are a vital part of the environment since they constantly provide their enthusiasm, energy, and steadfast support.
The excitement is further enhanced by the stadium’s use of speakers to amplify crowd noise, as if witnessing so many fans singing and cheering wasn’t enough. The clamour from the stands can block out anything else, so opponents had better prepare to think telepathically. Camp Nou is one of the most intimidating venues for any side to play because of its size and the passion of its fans.
7Stadio Olimpico
AS Roma & Lazio
The Stadio Olimpico, the second-largest stadium in Italy, is a formidable opponent for any visiting club. On match days, when supporters of both Lazio and AS Roma bring their zeal to the stands, it turns into a furnace of emotion and fury. A Colosseum-like atmosphere is created by the fans’ unrelenting chanting, even if the stadium’s running track puts some distance between them and the action on the pitch, somewhat lessening the close-up intensity found in smaller stadiums.
The Olimpico’s “curvas,” or wide, sweeping curves, are teeming with supporters whose enthusiasm echoes around the stadium, propelling their teams forward and intimidating rivals. Lazio and Roma supporters make the Olimpico one of Serie A’s—and, for that matter, Europe’s—most memorable stadiums, even though the track keeps them away from the action.
6RAMS Park
Galatasaray
“Welcome to Hell!” This famous banner, which was raised in 1993 to welcome Manchester United’s players to the old Galatasaray stadium, will always stick in the memories of many football fans. Galatasaray supporters are notorious for their aggressive and intimidating environment, which was on full display that momentous night at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Even though the squad now practices in the brand-new RAMS Park, the scary atmosphere that pervaded their former stadium still permeates their new location.
With firework displays lighting up the bleachers, huge flags, and thunderous shouts, Galatasaray supporters continue to create an incredible atmosphere at RAMS Park. It is one of the most difficult grounds in Europe, and visiting teams have an intense experience there as fervent fans give every game their all. Even though the scene has altered, the “Welcome to Hell” feeling remains, serving as a reminder to opponents that RAMS Park remains a stronghold for Galatasaray and its devoted supporters.
Welcome to hell. It's Matchday.#UCL #GSvMUN pic.twitter.com/7Tk3CdiiVF
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) November 28, 2023
5Ibrox
Rangers
Rangers’ decline from grace has been as quick and spectacular as any other club on this list. The supporters of Ibrox, once an unchallenged titan of Scottish football, had to face the humiliation of being demoted to the fourth division in 2012. They eventually made it back to the top, though, by fighting their way back up through the divisions with tenacity and resolve. Rangers supporters are more focused than ever on defeating their enduring rivals, Celtic, since they returned to the top division of Scottish football.
Top European nights have been less frequent than they would have wanted as a result of their renovation. But back in 2022, when the “Gers” made an improbable run to the Europa League final, the Ibrox supporters were loud and proud. The outcome would have undoubtedly been different if the game had been played there.
4San Siro
AC Milan & Inter Milan
With a capacity of 85,700, the San Siro, the storied home of both AC Milan and Inter Milan, is the biggest stadium in Italy. Depending on the team, the stands are divided between fervent supporters dressed in blue and red, creating an electrifying atmosphere whenever the Milanese powerhouses play. The famous stadium, which opened in 1926, has played host to innumerable important games and has come to represent Italian football.
The ultras, the ardent fan groups whose persistent support fills the air with shouts, banners, and energy, are largely responsible for the stadium’s intensity. The ultras are unquestionably the lifeblood of San Siro, fostering an environment that makes it one of the most thrilling football stadiums, despite the fact that they are frequently condemned for their extreme behaviour. Even though their existence is controversial, it contributes to the stadium’s menacing atmosphere, making it a stronghold for AC Milan and Inter Milan that rivals fear and supporters adore.
3Anfield
Liverpool
John Terry referred to his time at Anfield in 2005 as “a nightmare,” while Thomas Tuchel labelled his Dortmund team’s stunning collapse—from leading 3-1 to losing 4-3—”illogical.” Barcelona suffered the most memorable loss of 2019 after blowing a 3-0 first-leg advantage and falling 4-0 in the rematch. Liverpool was also without some of their best players that evening. The strength of Anfield is demonstrated by the fact that Liverpool even thought a comeback was feasible.
The truth is that it is simple to become agitated when the Kop end is singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in full. The Reds can make money because of the way the stadium closes in on the players, which frequently makes them feel powerless.
2Celtic Park
Celtic
Despite playing at some of the best venues in Europe, Lionel Messi once remarked that “none compare to Celtic Park.” Both Xavi and another football great Paolo Maldini have said that during their careers, they have never encountered something comparable. That’s the kind of magic Glasgow can produce.
The ‘Old Firm’ derby, which is considered to be one of football’s most intense and antagonistic rivalries, is when the intensity peaks. These games have a legendary atmosphere, with Celtic’s fans generating a powerful force that motivates their team.
But Celtic’s supporters have an influence outside of these derby matches. Celtic Park is a fortress because its supporters can muster the same amount of fervour and vigour that they give to their fiercest opponents on a European night when the Hoops are facing the wall.
1Signal Iduna Stadium
Borussia Dortmund
Regarding Signal Iduna Park, former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp famously remarked, “The stadium bursts into brightness as soon as you step outside. It appears as though 150,000 people are standing there, going crazy, as you look to your left. The south stand actually has ‘just’ 25,000 seats, but the noise they produce makes it seem like six times that.
Considered ‘The Yellow Wall’ since 2005, this stand has grown to be one of football’s most recognisable sites. The tifo displays put on by the spectators are famous and provide some of the sport’s most amazing visual displays. Awe-inspiring and scary is the atmosphere that Signal Iduna Park generates, whether it is through the amazing coordinated displays or the thunderous noise. It produces such a unique experience that even Jamie Carragher was compelled to leave his position as a pundit to participate.
