Real Murcia - History

History

Officially founded in 1908 (records show earlier denominations, as 1903's Foot Ball Club de Murcia and 1906's Murcia Football Club), Real Murcia was named as such, in 1923–24, by king Alfonso XIII. The following year, the La Condomina stadium was opened, with the club holding home games there for the next 82 years uninterrupted.

In 1929, the club first competed in Tercera División, achieving its first ever La Liga promotion in 1939–40, a feat repeated four years later. After years of mainly playing in the second level (even briefly returning to the fourth), it returned to the first division for 1980–81, for another nine-year spell.

During the 1990s, Murcia also featured briefly in Tercera, but played mainly in the second division. Both the last match played at the old Condomina, on November 11, 2006, and the first at the new grounds, 15 days later, resulted in home defeats (0–1 to Polideportivo Ejido and 1–4 against Real Valladolid); however, Murcia returned to the first division three years after its last spell.

Murcia started 2007–08 well, resisting in mid-table positions until early 2008, with not even the change in coach, with former Spanish national team boss Javier Clemente replacing Lucas Alcaraz, being able to prevent relegation.

In 2008–09, with Murcia placed in the relegation zone, Clemente was also sacked, in mid-December 2008. The Pimentoneros eventually retained their division status. However, in the following season, the club returned to division three.