Winning this year’s World Cup was a dream come true for most Spanish soccer fans, but especially to the ones in Madrid. There is no doubt about what soccer means for Madrileños and the importance it has on their everyday lives. There are three important soccer competitions during the year: the National League, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. The league is divided is various categories where the Primera and Segunda (First and Second) are the most known. In Madrid there are three teams playing in Primera:
Real Madrid: it is one of the most famous teams in the world, recognized by FIFA as the best soccer team of the 20th Century. Many of the world’s best soccer stars like Beckham, Raul and Roberto Carlos have played here during the years. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is Real Madrid’s home ground. This legendary stadium was awarded the top 5-star status in 2007. It has a capacity of around 80,000 people and it’s considered one the city’s landmarks. The club offers a tour where you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the grounds and a visit to the Trophy Room. Also you can grab a bite or have a drink at the Realcafe, the club’s fashion restaurant.
Atlético de Madrid: better known as the “Atleti”, the team has a very passionate group of supporters. There is a very well known historic rivalry between the Atleti and the Real Madrid. Every year both teams play the “Derbi Madrileño” which paralyses the city completely. The team’s stadium is the Vicente Calderón, with a capacity of about 54,000 people. The stadium also hosts concerts and many important artists like Madonna and the Rolling Stones have performed here.
Getafe: this is the newest team in the city. It started on the newly named “Segunda B”, which replaced 3rd Division. It went to 2nd division in 1996 and won its promotion to Primera in the 2003/04 season. It has maintained its position since. The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is its official stadium. It was built in 1998 and has a capacity of just 17,000 seats.
Getting tickets for the games is not easy or cheap, so try to plan it in advance.
