⚽ At The Sun Places we know that luxury is also experienced through sport and passion.
That's why we invite you to discover football in Madrid, one of the city's greatest passions.
With two of the biggest and most successful clubs in the world —Real Madrid CF and Atlético de Madrid— the Spanish capital is an essential destination for lovers of the beautiful game.
The rivalry between the two teams, the grandeur of their stadiums and the atmosphere on match days make Madrid a unique setting for experiencing football at its finest.
The Sun Places invites you to experience this, staying in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid.
The history of football in Madrid is the history of Spanish football. The capital has been the birthplace of some of the world's most important clubs and some of the most legendary players in history.
Below, we tell you everything you need to know about football in Madrid, its rivalry, its stadiums and how to experience it like a true local.
📜 The history of Football in Madrid
The history of football in Madrid dates back to the late 19th century, when the sport arrived in Spain thanks to British students and workers.
The capital's first football club was Real Madrid CF, founded on 6 March 1902.
Shortly afterwards, in 1903, Atlético de Madrid was born, founded by a group of Basque students.
Since then, the rivalry between the two clubs has been one of the fiercest in world football.
Real Madrid has dominated European football with its 15 European Cups, while Atlético has been a fierce competitor, winning leagues and cups with a fighting spirit that characterises its fans.
Today, football in Madrid is one of the city's main tourist attractions.
🏟️ Football Stadiums in Madrid
Madrid has two top-level stadiums that are worth visiting, even if there is no match:
- Santiago Bernabéu: Inaugurated in 1947, it is the home of Real Madrid CF and one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. With a capacity of over 83,000 spectators, it has witnessed some of football's greatest feats. Its museum, the Bernabéu Tour, allows you to explore its facilities, including the dressing rooms, the pitch and the trophy room.
- Cívitas Metropolitano: Inaugurated in 2017, it is the home of Atlético de Madrid. With a capacity of over 68,000 spectators, it is one of the most modern and spectacular stadiums in Europe. Its museum, the Metropolitano Tour, allows you to visit its facilities and learn about the history of the red-and-white club.
Visiting these stadiums is a fascinating experience, even for those who are not football fans.
The Sun Places can arrange private guided tours of both stadiums, with access to restricted areas and an expert guide who will tell you all the secrets of these cathedrals of football.
⚽ The Real Madrid - Atlético de Madrid rivalry
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid is one of the most intense in the world.
It has been played out in countless matches, especially in Copa del Rey and Champions League finals.
Real Madrid has historically dominated, but Atlético has known how to stand up to them in the most important moments.
The Madrid derby is a high-voltage match that attracts thousands of fans from around the world.
For The Sun Places guests, we recommend experiencing the derby if the calendar allows, or at least visiting the stadiums and learning about the history of this rivalry.
🎫 How to experience Football in Madrid like a true local
To experience football in Madrid like a true local, there are some rituals to follow:
- Arrive early at the stadium to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere in the bars and taverns of the area.
- Sing the anthems and chant with the local fans during the match.
- Afterwards, celebrate or mourn the victory on the terraces near the stadium.
🎭 What football in Madrid represents for the city and The Sun Places
Football in Madrid is a pillar of the city's identity and culture.
It represents passion, rivalry and the ability to bring people together around a common feeling.
For the city, football is a major economic and tourist engine, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
For The Sun Places, discovering football in Madrid is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.
That is why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in the most central areas, just a few steps from the stadiums and the places where football passion is lived.
Furthermore, football is connected to other great attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: the Salamanca Neighbourhood, the Plaza de Cibeles (where Real Madrid's victories are celebrated), the Habsburg Madrid and the Plaza Mayor.
All of this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and football in Madrid is one of its great passions.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to experience football in Madrid
Friday: Arrival and first football immersion
- In the afternoon, you take the Bernabéu Tour or the Metropolitano Tour to discover the history and secrets of the stadiums
Saturday: Match day and passion
- You have breakfast in your apartment
- In the afternoon, you attend the Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid match (if it coincides with your stay). If there is no match, you explore the stadium areas and enjoy the football atmosphere in the local bars
Sunday: Relax and farewell
- Final walk through the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles before returning.
Ready to experience football in Madrid with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect sports getaway.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
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