Real Madrid And Atlético Futbol
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Published: August 23, 2006
Fútbol
Fútbol, also known as soccer, is a much loved pastime of the people of Madrid. It is the number one spectator sport ranking in over 300,000 fans. Fútbol season is between September and May and tickets are relatively easy to purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium the day of the event, but should be booked through a ticket broker when the rivals play.
In Madrid there are two fútbol stadiums who are the rivals; Real Madrid vs. Atlético. While both teams would be entertaining to see while traveling to Madrid, Real Madrid offers more to a tourist.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid, known as the Whites, formed in 1902. The Whites home is Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and is accessible by the metro ( Santiago Bernabéu stop). .
Catching a game at the Bernabéu Stadium is just one of the several things you can do while visiting the Real Madrid team. Take a tour of the Bernabéu Stadium for 9€ (about $12.00) between 10:30 to 18:30
(10:30 to 6:30) daily. Tours include a visit to the Presidential Box, dressing room, players tunnel, benches, and coach area. You will also be taken to the playing field, the trophies exhibition and the official Real Madrid store to purchase souvenirs. TRAVEL TIP: Tour is unavailable the day of the game and the day after. If you do have intentions of going on the tour you must go before you take in a game.
To make the Real Madrid experience complete, plan on having a bite to eat at the ultramodern Realcafé Bernabéu. This exquisite cocina offers eclectic panoramic seating to the field and a menu sure to please the palate. Price per entree is roughly 20€ ($25.59). Reservations in advance are recommended.
Atlético
The rival of team Real is Atlético. The team uniform was established in 1911 even though the club was formed in 1903.
Located by the Manzanares River, Vicente Calderón Stadium is home to Atlético and was built in 1966. The stadium received a 5 Star Venue award in 2003, an honor given to top sporting venues. This award entitled the stadium to host championship events.
Catching an Atlético game is easy to accomplish. The stadium is accessible by train and bus. If you are traveling around Madrid primarily by the metro then the Pirámides or Marqués de Vidilo stop, both located on line 5.
