The fierce rivalry between Real and Atletico Madrid isn't just a matter of football preference among the Spanish capital fans. It's a rivalry which was affected by Spanish social and political conflicts over the last 100 years. Unlike in the Milan, the Buenos Aires or the Manchester derbies, Madrid isn't equally divided between Real and Atletico fans. The Real faithful are by far more than their Atletico counterparts. Real have a bigger financial status and media influence, and in terms of achievements and worldwide popularity, Los Merengues are well ahead of their neighbours. Also Real's stadium, Santiago Bernabeu is a majestic in the aristocratic part of Madrid, while Atletico's Vicente Calderon can be found beside a brewery. The conflict goes back to the very first establishment of Atletico Madrid in 1903. The club was founded by three Basque students, and one year later they were joined by dissidents of Madrid FC as Real was called at the time. While most Atletico fans were drawn from the working class, Real were considered the club of the Royals, elites and middle class.
More tensions grew between the two camps during the Francisco Franco dictatorship rule of Spain (1939-1973). During the Franco years Real were seen as the establishment club led by hard-line conservative president Santiago Bernabeu and aided by the government and fearful referees. All the previous factors as well as Atletico's inability to match Real's success or attract superstar signings like ex-Real players Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham have helped in creating a historical grudge between Real and Atletico fans. Despite always living in the shadow of Spain's Classico between Real and Barcelona, the Madrid derby is still considered as one of the fiercest in Europe. Despite Real's historical superiority, Atletico helped by the brilliant form of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero might have a chance of overcoming their neighbours when the two teams meet at Vicente Calderon on October 18th.
