MADRID - The Elon University men's soccer team is spending its 2019 spring break abroad, taking part of the Elon Global Experience this week in Spain and Portugal. Keep up with the program in during its international and cultural learning and playing experience as members of the team post daily blogs of their adventure at elonphoenix.com.
 
Fans can also follow the team on Twitter and Instagram and browse through the photo album on Facebook.

Day 4

After a productive game in Estoril, Portugal we took a bus from Lisbon to Madrid. We made it to our hotel, which is located in the centre of Madrid at around 4:00 a.m.
We reset very well for another game in less than 24 hours, and despite the score, it was a very good experience to play against Leganes a U-23 La Liga team.

After the game, we headed back to the hotel for some traditional Spanish food in the area around Gran Via. This allowed us to really have our first experience of the Spanish culture. This was then followed with a walking tour of the most iconic places in Madrid. Beginning at the Gran Via, we proceeded to then visit the Plaza Mayor, the "Plaza del Sol", "Palacio Real", "La Almudena" and many other historical places in the capital of Spain.

Once the tour concluded, we were given an hour of free time before dinner. Many of the guys took this opportunity to do some extra sightseeing and some shopping in the most renowned street in Spain (comparable to Saks Fifth Avenue in New York).

After a great day with many new experiences, we had a team dinner at the hotel. This was a great opportunity to have some down time to reflect on our first day in Madrid. After dinner, we rested up well for tomorrow when we will play another game against Getafe U-19 (la Liga team who are currently in a champions league spot). This allows us the chance to visit the facilities of another top European pro soccer team and many other of Madrid's main cultural attractions.

By Iñigo Bronte