Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza (Argentina)

Gimnasia y Esgrima are from the city of Mendoza in the north-central region of Argentina. The land around the city, the fourth biggest metropolitan area in the country, is perhaps best know as being the largest wine-producing area in the whole of Latin America, and Mendoza itself is the centre of its production.

Formed as a general sports club in 1908 (Gimnasia y Esgrima translates as Gymnastics and Fencing), and have played for most of their history in the lower leagues. Indeed, right now they play in Torneo Argentino B, the regionalised fourth tier in the Argentinian league system. There's hasn't been an entirely unsuccessful career though, as they've had four short spells in the Argentine Primera, the last time for three seasons between 1981-84. In total they've played 121 games in the top flight, amassing 122 points, strangely making them the 36th most successful Primera team in history.

Their fans are known as El Lobo, or The Wolves, and you'll often see their fans dressed as wolves and howling happily. They play at the 11,500 capacity Victor Legrotaglie, that is almost wallpapered with flags and black and white banners every single home game.



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