Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and Spain is no exception. With a long history of football culture, it’s no surprise that Madrid has not one but two famous football clubs – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
But why are there two Madrid clubs? Let’s take a closer look.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid was founded in 1902 by a group of students from the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. They wanted to create a team that would represent the progressive values they believed in. Initially, the club was called Madrid Football Club, but after King Alfonso XIII granted them permission to use the word “Real” (meaning “royal”), they became known as Real Madrid.
Over time, Real Madrid has become one of the most successful football clubs in history, winning numerous domestic and international titles. They have also produced some of the greatest players ever to grace a football pitch, like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and many more.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid was founded in 1903 by three Basque students living in Madrid. Originally known as Athletic Club de Madrid (not to be confused with Athletic Bilbao), their colors were blue and white stripes – similar to those of Athletic Bilbao – but changed to red and white stripes after a few years.
Like Real Madrid, Atletico has had its share of success over the years. They have won several domestic titles and have reached three UEFA Champions League finals (unfortunately losing all three).
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is one of the most intense in football. It’s known as El Derbi Madrileño (The Madrid Derby) and is one of the most watched matches in the world. The rivalry is not just about football, but also about the history and culture of Madrid itself.
Historically, Atletico has been seen as the club of the working-class while Real Madrid has been associated with the upper class. This has added to the tension between the two clubs over the years.
Conclusion
So why are there two Madrid clubs? Well, it’s partly due to historical and cultural differences between different groups of people in Madrid. It’s also because both clubs have unique histories and identities that have evolved over time.
Whether you’re a fan of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid (or even a neutral), there’s no denying that their rivalry adds an extra element of excitement to football in Spain.