Typically, you hear more about the 12^th man in the other football, the American kind.  Seattle, in particular, is known for housing one of the loudest group of fans (for both the NFL and the MLS).  While traveling in Spain recently, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend games at not only Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu, but also to Barcelona’s Camp Nou.  I have been to many sporting events in my lifetime, but the noise that the fans in these two stadiums can make raises the idea of the “12^th man” to a whole new level.

The “12^th man” can bolster the home team, influence the referees, and make playing unnerving for traveling teams.  People often quote the reason for Real Madrid’s and Barcelona’s dominance is their money and ability to purchase the best players.  That certainly has a significant impact, but the 80,000+ fans filling their stadiums week in and week out from every part of the world share in their success.  Even the players regularly acknowledge it.  It is not a requirement for the players to complement the fans (although it is likely encouraged by their publicists).  However, when you hear them speak, especially Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos who have been at Real Madrid for years, it is clear they understand the importance of the fans in their success.  Alvaro Arbeloa mentioned it in a recent interview when speaking on social media, noting that although he can’t respond to all the fans sending him messages, he pays close attention and takes encouragement from their good wishes and support.  Kaka also recently gushed at how happy he was by the fans’ appreciation for him and how it has made a difference when he takes the pitch. 

The 12^th man was evident this weekend as well.  Madrid was taking on Real Sociedad at their home pitch, Anoeta, in beautiful San Sebastian.  It is a small field, close to a third of the size of the Santiago Bernabeu and as the game started, even with ESPN minimizing the background noise, you could feel the volume emanating from the stadium.  When Gonzalo Higuain scored a scorcher of a goal in the 8^th minute, the commentators, Madrid fans and neutral fans alike, all assumed that Madrid was poised for another multi-goal fest, perhaps yet another hat trick for Higuain.  The Sociedad fans knew better.  You could hear their whistles in the background, especially when a call would go against their players.  They had every faith that their team could hold their own.  And hold their own they did. 

When the 90 minutes concluded, Sociedad would lose, but lose admirably.  The only goal scored would be Higuain’s first one and, although Madrid would have the lion’s share of possession, Sociedad would create a handful of chances of their own and make the game worth watching.  Even José Mourinho recognized the team’s effort and that of their fans:  "Our opponent, spurred by a great atmosphere, made things hard for us to the very last minute.”  So, here’s to you 12^th man - at the Bernabeu, Anoeta or elsewhere around the world - you matter!

A.J. Nelson can be found on Twitter @FootieObsessed