Football packages to Atlético Madrid

About football packages with Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid is one of the major players when it comes to both Spanish and European football. The club was on a winning streak all the way from the 1940s to the 1970s, but lately, they’ve been struggling to keep up with the giants from Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. But that was before they got a new coach. Everything changed when the team’s popular coach, Diego Simeone, took over in 2011. Simeone has transformed the club from one that wasn’t living up to expectations to one that is now seen as a real contestant – almost at the same level as the other two Spanish giants. During the 2013/2014 season, Simeone accomplished what he had started in 2011 and broke a 9-year streak when Real Madrid and FC Barcelona had been the only two teams to win the championships.

If you want to see Atlético Madrid play, the easiest way is to get your tickets from a travel agent specialising in football trips. They offer complete packages with match tickets, flights and hotels included, for example. If you prefer to organize it by yourself, you can visit Atlético’s website, buy your tickets at the arena or by telephone.

Atlético Madrid was founded in 1903 by a group of students from the Basque region, and was actually a kind of affiliate of a Basque club, Athletic Club de Bilbao. The club was initially called Athletic Club de Madrid, but became independent in 1921, when the name changed to the one we use today. Trophies: Ten national championships, ten Copa del Rey-titles, two Spanish Super Cup-trophies, two European League-trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup and one European Cup win. The team reached the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, but lost to their big brother and arch rival Real Madrid both times.

Things to do in Madrid

There are tons of things to do in Madrid. On top of the two major arenas, Bernabéu and Vicente Calderón, you can visit the Prado Museum, the Retiro Park, the royal palace and countless bars, pubs and clubs. Madrid is also home to some great cuisine, and you can find restaurants for any kind of traditional Spanish dish you could imagine. In other words, you will find plenty to do, eat and drink during your time in Madrid!

A Few Words About Vicente Calderón

The legendary arena Vicente Calderón, home turf for Madrid club Atlético Madrid, will soon be but a memory. The arena is being torn down, and the club will move to the new arena Wanda Matropolitano during the summer. While there’s nothing wrong with new arenas, the old ones are packed with history and athmosphere, and Vicente Calderón is no exception. If you’re an Atlético fan, don’t miss out!

Vicente Calderón was the name of one of the club’s previous presidents, and the arena bearing his name can seat 54,907 spectators (or 57,040 at a U2 concert, actually). It also used to be called the Estadio Manzanares, before being named after Vicente Calderón.

Vicente Calderón’s History

Atlético Madrid was founded in 1903, but they haven’t always been based at Vicente Calderón – the arena has only been home to the club since 1966, when the president Javier Barroso decided that the team needed a new, bigger space to accommodate all the fans.

From 1966 to 1923, they played at Stadium Metropolitano, after having moved there from a number of smaller arenas.

As of 2003, Vicente Calderón is officially a UEFA Elite Arena – the top rating the league has to offer.

Transport

Vicente Calderón is actually located just over a mile from the heart of Madrid, so you can walk there in about 17 minutes if you like. If you prefer driving, you can take the route through Calle de Toledo and Paseo de los Portones, which will take about eight minutes if the traffic isn’t too bad.

In other words, getting to Vicente Celderón is quick and easy if you’re setting of from the city centre. If you’re travelling from the airport Matrid Barajas, it’s just over 12 miles, taking 21 minutes by car via the M-30 or M-40, or Autopista de Circunvalación M-30.