Madrid is one of the most exciting cities in Europe, known for its vibrant culture, fantastic food, and beautiful architecture. But one thing that really sets Madrid apart from other cities in the world is its love affair with soccer.
Yes, you heard it right! Madrid is famous for soccer.
Madrid and Soccer
Soccer is deeply ingrained in the culture of Madrid. The sport enjoys immense popularity, and there are two major football clubs based in Madrid – Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. The club was founded in 1902 and has won a staggering 13 European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, more than any other club in history. They have also won 34 Spanish league titles and 19 Copa del Rey trophies.
Real Madrid’s home ground is the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which can hold up to 81,044 people. The stadium has hosted some of the biggest football matches in history, including four European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals.
Atletico de Madrid
Atletico de Madrid was founded in 1903 and has a passionate fan base that proudly calls themselves “colchoneros,” meaning “mattress makers.” The club has won ten La Liga titles, ten Copa del Rey trophies, and three Europa League titles.
Atletico de Madrid’s home ground is the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium with a capacity of 68,456 people. The stadium hosted the UEFA Champions League final back in 2019.
Soccer Culture In Madrid
The love for soccer runs deep within Madrilenos (people from Madrid). On match days you can see both Real and Atletico fans proudly wearing their team jerseys while walking around the city. The streets are lined with bars and cafes showing live football matches, and the atmosphere is electric.
El Clasico
One of the biggest matches in the world of soccer is the El Clasico, which is played between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This match has a global audience of millions, and it’s considered one of the most intense rivalries in football. The atmosphere in Madrid during El Clasico is something that every soccer fan should experience at least once.
Conclusion
Madrid’s love for soccer runs deep within its culture, and it’s evident in the passion that both Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid fans have for their respective teams. The city’s famous stadiums have hosted some of the biggest matches in football history, making it a must-visit destination for any soccer enthusiast.