Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid

Lore & Background

Founded on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid by three Basque students living in Madrid. The entity merged with Club Aviación Nacional in 1939, becoming Atlético de Madrid in 1946. The club's traditional kits consist of red and white vertical striped shirts and blue shorts. Followers are nicknamed as colchoneros, indios and rojiblancos. Prince Felipe, later King Felipe VI, has been the honorary president of the club since 2003.

In Their Own Story

The air in the King Fahd International Stadium was thick with anticipation as the two giants of Riyadh faced off. The roar of the 'Masters' fans echoed against the concrete walls, a sound that had defined generations. On the pitch, the white and blue jerseys of Al Hilal stood ready against their eternal rivals, not for a European trophy, but for the pride of the city. Every pass, every tackle, was a reminder of decades of history written solely on Saudi soil.

Reader's Guide

Atlético are one of the most successful Spanish clubs, having won 11 La Liga titles, including a league and cup double in 1996. Further domestic trophies include 10 Copa del Rey titles, two Supercopas de España, one Copa Presidente FEF and one Copa Eva Duarte. They have also won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, the UEFA Europa League in 2010, 2012 and 2018, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010, 2012 and 2018, in addition to the 1974 Intercontinental Cup. In the UEFA Champions League, Atlético reached the final in 1974, 2014 and 2016. They sustain a standing rivalry with Madrid neighbours Real Madrid, with whom they contest the Madrid derby.

Did You Know?

• The club was founded on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid.
• The club's nickname Los Colchoneros may come from the red and white striped tops being made from ticking used for mattresses.
• Atlético won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, a trophy Real Madrid never won.
• Prince Felipe, later King Felipe VI, has been the honorary president of the club since 2003.