Madrid is a city that boasts a rich footballing culture. It’s no secret that the Spanish capital is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of these two teams and explore why Madrid has two teams.
The Origins
Football was introduced to Spain during the late 19th century by British immigrants. The first football club in Spain was founded in Huelva, Andalusia, in 1889. Football started gaining popularity across Spain, and soon enough, several clubs were formed.
In Madrid, the first club to be formed was Sky Football in 1897. However, it wasn’t until 1902 that Madrid Football Club was established. This club would later become known as Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, was formed in 1903 by a group of Basque students who were studying in Madrid. The club was initially named Athletic Club de Madrid but changed its name to Atletico Madrid in 1947.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is one of the most intense rivalries in football. The two teams are based just a few miles from each other and have been competing against each other for over a century.
Real Madrid has historically been seen as the more successful team, having won five European Cups/Champions Leagues and thirty-four La Liga titles. They have also had some of the greatest players to ever play the game represent them – Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo being some of them.
Atletico Madrid had success early on with domestic titles but has always been overshadowed by their more illustrious neighbours when it comes to European competition. However they have still managed to win ten La Liga titles and three Europa Leagues. They too have had some great players represent them – Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Diego Forlan being some of them.
The Split
The rivalry between the two teams is not just about footballing prowess. It has deep roots in Spanish society and politics as well.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Real Madrid was seen as the team of Franco’s regime while Atletico Madrid was seen as the team of the people. This divide has persisted long after the civil war ended, with Real Madrid being associated with conservatism and Atletico Madrid with left-wing ideologies.
The divide between the two clubs also extends to their fans. Historically, Real Madrid has been seen as a club for the wealthy while Atletico Madrid has been seen as a club for the working class. However, this distinction is not as clear-cut today, and both clubs have fans from all walks of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Madrid has two football teams because of historical reasons and societal divides that persist to this day. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is one of the most intense rivalries in football, and it goes beyond just footballing success. The city’s love for football is reflected in its two iconic clubs that continue to dominate Spanish football to this day.