What Football Teams Are Based in Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

Madrid is known for its passion for football, with two of the world’s most successful clubs based in the city. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both located in the Spanish capital, and they have a fierce rivalry that extends back decades.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid is widely regarded as one of the most successful football clubs in history. Founded in 1902, the team has won a record 13 European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles and 34 La Liga championships.

The team plays its home matches at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators. Some of the world’s greatest players have donned Real Madrid’s white jersey, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Rivalry with Barcelona

One of Real Madrid’s biggest rivals is FC Barcelona, based in Catalonia. The two teams have faced each other over 240 times in various competitions throughout history. The matches between Real and Barca are often referred to as “El Clasico” and are watched by millions of people around the world.

Atletico Madrid

Founded in 1903, Atletico Madrid has also enjoyed success on both domestic and international stages. The team has won three La Liga titles and three Europa League/UEFA Cup trophies.

Atletico plays their home matches at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium which has a capacity of around 68,000 spectators. Some of Atletico’s most notable players include Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Diego Forlan and Antoine Griezmann.

The Rivalry with Real Madrid

The rivalry between Atletico and Real Madrid is one of the fiercest in football. Matches between these two teams are known as “El Derbi Madrileño” and often result in tense and dramatic encounters.

Conclusion

Madrid is a city with a rich football history, and Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are two of the most successful clubs in the world. While they may be bitter rivals, both teams have brought joy and excitement to football fans across the globe. Whether you’re a fan of the white of Real or the red and white stripes of Atletico, there’s no denying that Madrid is a city that lives and breathes football.