The first Spanish Clásico of 2012 is on in Madrid tonight!

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 

Tonight we are set to see yet another classic Spanish encounter between Real Madrid and Barcelona; the biggest football match in the world. Another match that you cannot miss is Real Madrid versus Atlético de Madrid.

The historic Spanish Santiago Bernabéu in central Madrid, with a massive capacity of 85,000, is the stage for the first of two legs to decide the quarter final of the Copa del Rey, with the second leg just one week later at the formidable Nou Camp. Madrid is one of the most important and prestigious cities when it comes to world football, and passion for football can be seen on every street, in every bar and every home. Many of the Spanish language students that study courses at AIL Madrid are avid followers of football, and in Madrid they find the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful game.

However, that is not to say that the heart of this Spanish city beats only for encounters between the two world footballing giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona. In the southwest of the city lies the Vicente Calderon Stadium, belonging to Atlético Madrid, a club with a rich football history, regarded as one of the great clubs of Spain, and whose supporters are considered among the fiercest in all of Spain.

In the city of Madrid and in the surrounding towns, other clubs have appeared who are also worthy of noting, such as Gétafe or Rayo Vallecano, clubs which are currently competing at the top level in Spanish football, in La Liga. Also, going south of Madrid you will find Alcorcón, who play in the second division.

The crowd, Plaza Colón

In addition to club football, Madrid is also the central hub of the Spanish national football team, and its stadia frequently host high profile international matches. Euro 2012 is coming at the end of June and the whole of the country – Spain being one of the favourites since they won Euro 2008 and the 2012 World Cup – will be teeming with excitement. Much of this excitement will be channeled towards the Plaza de Colón, which has long since been the epicentre of the celebrations, not only for Spanish, but for people from all over the world supporting their respective countries.

And speaking of celebrations, one cannot forget the famous Cibeles Fountain and Neptune Fountain, where Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid respectively celebrate their successes.

Below are some of the most important games involving Spanish teams throughout the rest of the season in Madrid:

Copa del Rey

18/02/2010

Real Madrid – Barcelona

Champions League

14/03/2012

Real Madrid - Cska MOscu

Liga Española

4/5 February

Atlético de Madrid - Valencia

Getafe - Real Madrid

11/12 February

Rayo Vallecano - Getafe

25/26 Feb

Atlético - Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano - Real Madrid

1 April

Atlético - Getafe

8 April

Real Madrid - Valencia

11 April

Atlético - Real Madrid

14 - 15 April

Rayo Vallecano - Atlético

29 April

Real Madrid - Sevilla

¡Hala Madrid and good luck!