Atletico Madrid
Established on 26 April 1903 by Basque students in Madrid, Club Atlético de Madrid began as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid, initially serving as a youth branch of Athletic Bilbao. The club adopted its iconic red and white striped shirts in 1911, earning the nickname "Los Colchoneros" (The Mattress Makers) due to the resemblance to traditional mattress covers. In 1947, the club officially became Club Atlético de Madrid. The team has been a mainstay in La Liga since its inception, with a brief relegation in the early 1930s.
Domestic and European achievements
Atlético Madrid has secured 11 La Liga titles, including a notable league and cup double in 1996. The club has also won the Copa del Rey 10 times. In European competitions, Atlético clinched the UEFA Europa League in 2010, 2012, and 2018, and the UEFA Super Cup in those same years. The club was also the runner-up in the UEFA Champions League in 1974, 2014, and 2016.
Stadium and facilities
Atlético Madrid plays its home matches at the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 70,692. The stadium, originally opened in 1994 and known as La Peineta, underwent significant renovations before reopening in 2017 as the club's home ground. It hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League final and is considered one of Europe's premier football venues.
The club's training ground, Ciudad Deportiva Atlético de Madrid, is located in Majadahonda and serves as the base for both the senior and youth teams. Plans are underway for a new training complex in Alcorcón, which will feature multiple pitches, a stadium, and residential facilities.
Management
Atlético Madrid is managed by Diego Simeone, who took over in 2011 and has since become the most successful coach in the club's history. Under his leadership, the team has won multiple domestic and European titles.
Rivalries and culture
Atlético Madrid shares a fierce rivalry with Real Madrid, known as El Derbi Madrileño, one of the most intense in football. Matches against FC Barcelona also carry significant weight, often influencing the La Liga title race.
The club's supporters are known for their passionate support, and the team's slogan, "¡Aúpa Atleti!" (Up with Atleti!), reflects this fervour.
