Atletico vs Real

Champions League Final 2014

The Champions League Final later this month is the first time in the history of the European Cup final that the two finalists have come from the same city. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s stadiums are located either side of the city centre, but what distinguishes the two teams? Are they merely two teams separated by a few kilometres, or are they separated by class, history, politics or something else?

Real Madrid are the kings of football in these parts - they have won nine European titles to Atletico Madrid’s none. Additionally, Real have won 32 La Liga titles to Atletico’s nine. So, Real are literally leagues ahead of Atletico in footballing terms. What distinguishes them beyond titles won? Atletico Madrid have the profile which is more that of a typical football team, their supporter profile has traditionally been more working class, whilst the Real profile is traditionally more establishment. I recently read an article which said that 80% of Real supporters were likely to vote for the Spanish right wing party, Partido Popular. Real Madrid is the default team of support for aspirational, conservative minded Spaniards who want a nice watch, a fancy car, and a successful football team as accessories. Having said that, Real Madrid are the most popular team among immigrants living in Madrid. Many Real Madrid fans don’t seem to support their side as much as want to be seen to be ‘associated with’ their side. This would explain why fans get furious when their team are not playing well. Real Madrid fans are notorious for walking out of the stadium if their team are losing; and demanding the heads of managers if their team are not performing to expectations. I once taught a student who unintentionally summed up for me the attitude of Real Madrid fans: Real had just won the European Cup in 2002, after mocking me for supporting low profile teams, he said ‘You should support Real Madrid because they’re the best in the world!’ He liked Real Madrid because they were successful which he felt reflected his superiority. Real Madrid for him was a status symbol.

There is a historical perspective to why Real Madrid have the profile they have. The team were seen as the public face of Spain during the dictatorship when the authorities in Spain were isolated internationally. Six of Real Madrid’s nine European Cups were won during the dictatorship. During Real Madrid’s glory years in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Real played positive football with flair and had the best players around (Puskas, Di Stefano etc). But above all, the team was successful and had status. These were qualities that the authorities in Spain wanted to be associated with. Now, the dictatorship has gone but the formula is much the same - the elite footballers are still bought up and touted as galacticos, but despite the astronomical expense Real haven’t had the same success as their early glory years.

Real Madrid represent establishment, status, prestige and entitlement. Atletico Madrid just represent a football team. But currently a very successful one. Real Madrid have a financial budget which is five times the size of Atletico Madrid. The Atletico first 11 cost less than Christian Ronaldo or Gareth Bale. So how come Altletico are top of La Liga and in the Champions League final? Unlike at their illustrious neighbours, it’s not money that has been the driving force - hard work, determination, psychology and the tactical nous of their manager, Simeone, have all played their part.

In time, the sale of the top players like Diego Costa, are inevitable. The current Atletico team will break up and lose their ability to compete. Simeone is likely to be tempted in time by a different challenge. But for now we can enjoy the situation for what it is. Everyone loves a good underdog story, and this one is a really good one: the little team from across the city fighting against the odds to achieve something that is seemingly impossible. If Atletico win in Lisbon, and possibly La Liga as well, making a double, can my ex-student still claim that Real Madrid are the best in the world? They won’t even be the best in the city!