After living in Madrid for six months, I often see fans wearing different jerseys on the metro during weekends, which made me realize that this city’s football culture is far more complex than I initially thought. Today, let’s discuss the topic of how many professional football teams Madrid actually has.
The Two Giants: Real Madrid and Atlético
When it comes to Madrid football, Real Madrid is certainly the first name that comes to mind. Founded in 1902, this team plays at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and has won 14 Champions League titles, making it one of the most successful clubs globally. The other major team is Atlético Madrid, which, although slightly less famous, is absolutely formidable. Atlético’s home stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, is not far from the city center, and their fanbase is extremely loyal. During the Madrid derby, the entire city’s atmosphere transforms completely.
Other La Liga and Segunda División Teams
Beyond these two giants, the Madrid region has other professional teams. Getafe plays at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium. This team has long fluctuated between La Liga and Segunda División, but with their robust playing style, they often pull off upsets. There’s also Rayo Vallecano, whose home is the Estadio de Vallecas. This team has strong community roots in southern Madrid, with a very distinctive fan culture.
| Team Name | Major Honors | Home Stadium |
|---|
| Real Madrid | 14 Champions League titles | Santiago Bernabéu |
| Atlético Madrid | 11 La Liga titles | Wanda Metropolitano |
| Getafe | 2 Copa del Rey runner-up | Coliseum Stadium |
| Rayo Vallecano | Segunda División champions | Estadio de Vallecas |
Lower Division Teams
If we include Segunda División B and lower league teams when considering [Madrid and Barcelona teams], the number of teams in the Madrid region increases significantly. For example, there are Real Madrid’s B team, Atlético’s B team, and various historic community clubs. While these teams don’t receive much attention, they’re important for developing young players and maintaining regional football culture.
Summary: At Least Four Major Teams
So, returning to the original question about [Madrid team cakes], if we only count La Liga and Segunda División professional teams, Madrid has at least four: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Getafe, and Rayo Vallecano. Of course, the exact number may vary each season depending on promotion and relegation. Regardless, this city’s football atmosphere is truly captivating, and experiencing a [Madrid derby] match on a weekend is absolutely worthwhile.
