Benfica’s Estádio da Luz has been named one of the “20 greatest stadiums in European club football” by British newspaper The Telegraph.
The Lisbon-based stadium is placed 13th and praised for its “thunderous atmosphere – especially for the big derby games” against Sporting and FC Porto.
With over 65,000 seats, Estádio da Luz “served as inspiration for Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and the sight of an eagle circling the pitch (adopted subsequently, to slightly less dramatic effect, by Crystal Palace) is thrilling,” says the paper.
The stadium was designed by Australian architect Damon Lavelle and built for the Euro 2004 national team competition.
It has hosted a number of big international matches, most recently the UEFA Champions League 2014 final between city rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, which Real won in overtime (4-1).
The Telegraph’s list also features Saint James’ Park (Newcastle), Celtic Park (Glasgow), Anfield (Liverpool) and Old Trafford (Manchester).
To see the full list, (click here).
