Why Are There 2 Madrid Teams?

By Robert Palmer

Football fans around the world are familiar with the two Spanish football teams based in Madrid – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. But have you ever wondered why there are two teams in one city? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of these two teams and understand why they coexist in the same city.

The Formation of Real Madrid

Real Madrid was founded on March 6, 1902, by a group of students from the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, a progressive educational institution. Originally known as Madrid Football Club, the team was renamed as Real Madrid in 1920 when King Alfonso XIII granted them permission to use the title “Real,” meaning “Royal” in Spanish.

The club quickly gained popularity and became one of the most successful teams in Spain. With a record 34 La Liga titles, 13 European Cups, and four Club World Cups, Real Madrid is one of the most decorated clubs in football history.

The Birth of Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid was founded on April 26, 1903, by three Basque students living in Madrid. Originally known as Athletic Club de Madrid, the team played its first game against Athletic Bilbao and won 2-1.

In 1939, during Francisco Franco’s regime in Spain, Athletic Club de Madrid was forced to merge with Aviación Nacional – a team representing the Spanish Air Force – to form Atlético Aviación. The team played under this name for four years before reverting to its original name.

The Derby Rivalry

As both teams gained popularity over time and began winning titles, a fierce rivalry developed between them. Matches between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are referred to as “El Derbi Madrileño” (The Madrid Derby) and are some of the most intense and highly anticipated fixtures in Spanish football.

The rivalry between these two teams is not just limited to the pitch. It also extends to their fan bases, with Real Madrid fans often considered to be the more affluent and elitist lot while Atletico Madrid fans are seen as more working-class and passionate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existence of two football teams in Madrid can be traced back to their respective origins and histories. While Real Madrid was founded by students from a progressive educational institution, Atletico Madrid was created by Basque students living in Madrid. The fierce rivalry that exists between these two teams only adds to the excitement of Spanish football and makes it one of the most watched leagues in the world.

Whether you’re a fan of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, there’s no denying that both teams have left an indelible mark on Spanish football history.