Atletico Madrid or as they are known by their official name, Club Atlético de Madrid, have the misfortune of sharing Mardrid with one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
But Atletico is a big club in their own right having won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey on nine occasions, including a double in 1996. In Europe, they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1962, were European Cup runners-up in 1974,[3] won the Intercontinental Cup in 1975, won the Europa League in 2010[4] and in 2012, and won the UEFA Super Cup in 2010 and 2012.
Where they play: Stadium – Estadio Vicente Calderón
The Estadio Vicente Calderón seats just under 55,000 and is one of the venues used by the Spanish national side. The ground has been classified by Europa as a ‘5 star elite’ and was one of the first grounds in Spain to have this recognition. In 2016 the club are due to move to Estadio La Peineta which will hold around 73,000 fans after reconstruction.
Directions To The Stadium
The Vicente Calderón is the closest stadium to Madrid city centre and as a result transport links are plentiful
Metro
The metro in Madrid is known as one of the cheapest in Europe and as a result it will cost you around 1 Euro to get to the ground. The line that you need to look out for is green line 5 and the stop you are looking for is called Piramedes station, which is around 6 stops from the Gran Via right in the heart of the city centre. A short walk down the hill will see you into the stadium. Just simply follow the crowds.
Bus
There are over a dozen bus routes that go past the Vicente Calderón, so buses are plentiful. The best buses to look out for are 17, 18 and 23 as these are direct, to and from the stadium. Other buses will get you there but tend to go ‘around the houses’.
Taxi
Taxi’s to Atlético’s ground are plentiful and it will cost somewhere between 8-10 Euros. Although again, similar to Real Madrid’s stadium there might be a short wait for one when coming out.
Walk
Walking from the city centre to the Estadio Vicente Calderón is fairly easy to do and will take only around 20 minutes. Starting from the Royal Palace, head along Gran Via de San Francisco towards the the river Manzanares . Keep walking, and you will see the stadium
Bars and Restaurants Near The Stadium
El Chiscón De La Ribera – Calle San Epifanio 7
El Chiscón isn’t the cheapest place in the world but what you get here are some amazing salads. They are pretty big so you can order a salad between two and split the cost. Prices are between 7 and nine Euros. The restaurant is just across the road from the stadium so it couldn’t be in a better location.
Recines – Paseo Melancólicos 73
Recines is a typical Spanish cervecceria situated right next to the stadium. It specialises in pinchito’s and offers some of the best in the area, at prices that won’t break the bank. Pinchitos are Spanish style kebabs, often of pork or prawns that are grilled ‘a la plancha’. You will see the supporters flocking here after the match, to order a ‘tubo’ (glass of beer)and a pinchito.
Restaurante Animatiko – Paseo Melancólicos 67
This restaurant is always busy and serves a good selection of Spanish fayre ranging from fish such as Rosada to meats such as pork fillet. Prices are reasonable and you get a lot of food for your money. It is situated perfectly as it is right across the road from the stadium.
Cervecceria Jamoneria Leomar – Paseo Virgen De la Puerto 63
This Cervecceria is a great little tapas bar situated a stone’s throw from the stadium, where you can get a plate of Jamon Iberico, Manchego cheese and a cold beer for the price of a starter in some restaurants. This is where hoards of supporters flock to before and after the match.
Plaza De Santa Ana – 281012 Madrid
If you are in a party mood after the game, then you should go to the Plaza de Santa Ana. To find it, simply head west from the stadium down the Paseo Los Pontones, continuing up the Calle de Toledo until you reach the plaza. This is a large square where you can find a selection of bars and clubs and is great for people watching and dancing the night away. Distance from the stadium is 2.9kms and will take you around 35 minutes to walk.
