Valencia Women supporters' club leads the way in Spain

"Valencia Women, we're always with you. We'll support you from the heart, this is your supporters' club, it's for champions. I don't care what they say. Whatever others say, I'll follow you everywhere and love you more and more!" That's how La Recta de Paterna's song goes and you could have heard it in Barcelona, Huelva, Oiartzun or Badajoz, given that the group has attended each and every one of the club's home and away fixtures so far this season. They are one of a handful of supporters' clubs in Spain devoted exclusively to a women's side. "They also wear our badge," so they say.

The group was born in Torrelodones two years ago. "We went to the Copa de la Reina quarter-finals. We travelled there separately, but then we all came together and instantly clicked," revealed La Recta de Paterna member Cristina. There were six of them back then. Today there are 103. "Some are family members, others are football fans. There are even people from Barcelona and Albacete," added Cristina.

Replica kits displaying names such as Gio Carreras, Mari Paz (Mapigol), Debora and Christiane Endler (Tiane) can all be seen, with each member of the supporters' club proudly wearing Valencia colours with a current player on their back. "It's our small tribute to them. They also sell shirts," explained Cristina, who is an avid fan of Chilean goalkeeper Tiane, which she showed by enthusiastically holding up a banner bearing her name. "I've always followed her, even during her time at Colo-Colo. She's an incredible goalkeeper. It's her first year in Spain and this is my way of making her feel at home," she continued.

¡Se viene el derbi de primera! Es nuestro momento, nuestra revolución, nuestro asalto al poder #ValenciaEsBlanquinegra #VamosPorMás #Amunt pic.twitter.com/2LNpSVA0Ly

— La Recta de Paterna (@RectaDePaterna) November 16, 2016

"The players are more approachable in women's football, they're more thankful and really give their all," stated Cristina. "All we ask for is respect for the referee, the opposition and our team." She was in attendance at Ciutat de Valencia for the local derby two weeks ago, in the front row, as always. When the match finished, the players went over to the fans to exchange high-fives, thank them for their commitment, passionate support and the rest. "We get into it just as much as any supporters' club. We're behind them all the way."