It is unfortunate that Athletico Madrid are widely known as the other team in Madrid. However they have proved time and again that in Madrid derbies they can more than hold their own against their more famous neighbours. Plus they have no less than eighteen domestic trophies to prove it.

Founded in 1903 they play their home games at the Estadio Vicente Calderón which has a capacity of 60,000.

They were originally formed as an affiliate to Athletico Bilbao and played in blue and white shirts at the time. They then became independant of the Bilbao outfit from 1921 and then moved to the Estadio Vicente Calderón in 1923 thus cutting all ties

You may hear the name 'Los Colchoneros' which means mattress makers. Mattresses back then were made with red and white stripes which match the teams shirts.

There star player presently is Fernando Torres but the biggest question is how long can they hold on to their gifted striker as a host of clubs trail his signature. With a supporting cast of Maxi Rodriguez and Mateja Kezman you have to wonder why they are only a mid table outfit.

A host of young talent that has been signed over the off season suggests that Athletico Madrid intend to improve on their 10th place La liga finish for 2005/6.