5 interesting facts about Madrid derby

La Liga's third Madrid Derby of the 2023-24 season is about to take place. Here are 5 things you might not know about this match.

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1. Atlético was founded in response to Real

A group of Basque students living in Madrid attended the first Copa del Rey final in 1903 between Athletic Bilbao and Madrid FC, the team that later became Real Madrid.

They didn't like the way Madrid FC played and 18 days later founded a Madrid-based clone of Athletic… which later became Atlético de Madrid.

2. Atletico had 14 years without winning against Real

From 1999 to 2013, Atlético de Madrid endured derby hell. They were winless in 25 meetings with Real Madrid, until the arrival of Diego Simeone finally changed their fortunes.

Since Los Rojiblancos' late victory, the derby balance has changed, they have won 11 of the 38 derbies played since then, while drawing 12 and losing 15 (all competitions). Statistics in La Liga are 5 wins and 6 defeats in 20 derbies.

3. Real robbed Atletico's celebration place

The Cibele Fountain located in the center of Madrid today is known as the place to celebrate Real's titles. However, Atletico is actually the first team to celebrate at this location. Later, because Real celebrated too much there, Atletico decided to move to another location, the Netptune fountain.

4. Derby Madrid used to be a bigger match than El Clasico

Now everyone considers Barca to be Real's arch-rival. However, in the first decades after the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, Atletico was Los Blancos' great rival. As Alfredo Di Stéfano once said: "Forget Barcelona. The team that makes us afraid is only Atlético".

5. Bernabéu stadium brings luck to Atlético

Real's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a very special place for Atletico. Rojiblancos have won the King's Cup 10 times and 9 of them took place at the Bernabeu. Only the win against Barca in 1996 took place at Real Zaragoza's La Romareda stadium.