Having recently settled in Madrid, I’ve discovered that the football atmosphere here is absolutely incredible. Walking down the streets, you see people wearing jerseys everywhere, and bars are always showing matches. As a new immigrant, I started researching how many La Liga teams Madrid actually has, and today I’d like to share what I’ve learned.
Three La Liga Teams in the Madrid Region
To be precise, the Madrid region currently has three teams competing in La Liga: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Getafe. These three teams have distinct styles and their own dedicated fan bases.
Real Madrid - The Galácticos
Real Madrid needs no introduction—it’s one of the most successful clubs in the world. Their home stadium, Santiago Bernabéu, is located in the Chamartín district, right at the Santiago Bernabéu metro station. Their record of 15 Champions League titles remains unmatched, and legends like Beckham, Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all played here. Ticket prices are relatively expensive, with regular league matches starting at €50, and derby and Champions League games costing even more.
Atlético Madrid - Los Colchoneros
Atlético has made tremendous progress in recent years, winning multiple La Liga titles under coach Simeone. Their home stadium, Wanda Metropolitano, is in the eastern part of the city, accessible via Metro Line 7 at Estadio Metropolitano station. The team is known for their counter-attacking style, with fast-paced and physically intense matches. Tickets are considerably cheaper than Real Madrid’s, with decent seats available for around €30. The fan atmosphere is exceptional, with the south stand’s cheering being absolutely deafening.
Getafe - The People’s Club
Getafe is a smaller team from southern Madrid, with their home stadium Coliseum Alfonso Pérez having a capacity of only around 17,000. While not as famous as the other two, they’re regular La Liga participants. This team plays a pragmatic style and often manages to take points from stronger teams. Tickets are very affordable, with entry available for just over ten euros, making it perfect for those wanting to experience La Liga on a budget.
Here’s a comparison of the three teams’ basic information:
| Team | Stadium | Capacity | Founded | Champions League Titles |
|---|
| Real Madrid | Santiago Bernabéu | 81,044 | 1902 | 15 |
| Atlético Madrid | Wanda Metropolitano | 68,456 | 1903 | 0 |
| Getafe | Coliseum Alfonso Pérez | 17,393 | 1983 | 0 |
As a foreigner living in Madrid, I personally recommend starting with an Atlético or Getafe match to experience the atmosphere. While Real Madrid matches are spectacular, the tickets are genuinely expensive, and the stadium is so large that if you’re seated far away, the viewing experience can be mediocre. During the Madrid derby, the entire city comes alive—that atmosphere is truly unforgettable.
If you’re visiting or living in Madrid, you absolutely must attend a live match. It will definitely become one of your most memorable experiences in Spain!
