All aboard! The stars of Atlético and Real Madrid travel to the derby on public buses

by


5:30 a.m. Eastern Time

  • Alex KirklandFC ESPN

The Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid players had to give up the luxury with which they usually make their arrivals prior to LaLiga matches on Sunday, as they all traveled to the Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium on public buses.

The two teams, as well as the coaching staff and security personnel, arrived for one of the most important and disputed matches in LaLiga in electric buses provided by the city’s Municipal Transport Company (EMT) as part of the celebrations of their 75th anniversary.

The 28-seater buses were specially decorated for the occasion, covered in the colors and logos of the two teams, but otherwise identical to those used by Madrid residents to get around the Spanish capital on a daily basis.

– Athletic vs. Real Madrid: Stream the replay on ESPN+ (US)
– ESPN+ Guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (USA)
– Don’t you have ESPN? Get instant access

The buses are fully electric with zero carbon emissions and offer free Wi-Fi, but otherwise they lack the amenities top players are used to such as reclining seats, beverage coolers, and tinted windows.

The Real Madrid team had a 15-minute drive from their Valdebebas training complex on the outskirts of the Spanish capital, traveling five miles south to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who last week became the first manager to win a title in Europe’s top five leagues, clearly enjoyed himself as he took his place up front and held on to the safety rail. how did the bus get to the stadium.

Atlético’s journey was even shorter, with their bus completing the three-mile journey from the team hotel near Madrid’s Barajas airport to their home in around 10 minutes, arriving at 7:40 p.m. local time before kick-off. from 9:00 p.m.

The Rojiblancos Forward Antoine Griezmann seemed comfortable tackling his less glamorous pre-match trip, perhaps because he was still able to take his mate cup with him.

Meanwhile, Atleti defender Sime Vrsaljko couldn’t hide his excitement at getting on through the middle doors, without even having to pay the driver.

Unlike most people’s experiences of going to work by bus, the two teams were accompanied by a police escort to avoid traffic jams, delays or potential problems, and were shadowed by the teams’ usual coaches, who would be used to pick up the players afterwards. the match.

Real Madrid players have been spending a lot of time on buses lately, with a convertible model taking them and the LaLiga trophy from the Santiago Bernabéu to the Cibeles fountain, where the club traditionally celebrates titles won, after beating 4-0 Spanish. win the league title the weekend before.

Atletico haven’t been able to celebrate winning any trophies this season, but their 1-0 win over city rivals on Sunday was a big step towards securing a top-four finish that would confirm Champions League qualification for the next season.




Reference-www.espn.com

Leave a Comment