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Metropolitano

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Was it a comb or a saddle? The Metropolitano, nicknamed “La Peineta” (the comb) for its original comb-like design, has certainly seen a transformation. This magnificent stadium, home to Atlético Madrid since 2017, stands as a testament to the club’s ambition and the city’s passion for football. The Metropolitano, officially Riyadh Air Metropolitano for sponsorship reasons, wasn’t always the roaring cauldron of red and white it is today. Originally built for Madrid’s bid for the 1997 World Athletics Championships, it opened in 1994 with a modest capacity of 20,000. The stadium, designed by Cruz y Ortiz, even hosted the 1996 Supercopa de España second leg, where Atlético beat Barcelona 3-1 (though they lost on aggregate). However, with the World Championships awarded to Athens, La Peineta faced a period of quiet, hosting smaller sporting and cultural events. The dream of a grander purpose was reignited with Madrid’s Olympic bids, first for 2012, then 2016, and again for 2020. Each bid fell short, yet each failure brought the Metropolitano closer to its destiny. Demolition work began, the athletic track was removed, and the stadium was reborn. In 2013, ownership transferred to Atlético Madrid, who invested a staggering €240 million in renovations. The Metropolitano’s capacity surged to over 68,000, becoming a fitting stage for Champions League nights and the electrifying atmosphere of La Liga. In 2017, King Felipe VI himself attended the inaugural match against Málaga, where Antoine Griezmann scored the first goal in the new stadium, a 1-0 victory for Atlético. Just a few weeks later, it hosted its first European game. This stadium has witnessed historic moments. It was the venue for the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham and Liverpool. It also hosted the Copa del Rey final in 2018 and broke the world record for attendance at a women’s club football match in 2019. Today, the Metropolitano stands proudly, not just as a sporting venue but as a symbol of resilience and the unwavering spirit of Atlético Madrid.

Learning about Metropolitano in Madrid is only the beginning of your adventure. Explory helps you go further with a powerful digital guide that transforms every walk into an experience. Using our intuitive city guide, you can easily connect stories with locations, creating your own city tour while enjoying Madrid at your own rhythm. Explory’s goal is to make your trip unforgettable. Our guide combines storytelling with orientation, giving you the chance to uncover the rich layers of Madrid. Thanks to the integrated audio guide, you can listen to fascinating narratives while exploring the streets. Beyond the well-known attractions, Explory highlights hidden gems and secret corners that make the city truly unique. With the city guide, you’ll gain insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, the app offers exploration on your terms. Each curated city tour blends local culture, history, and atmosphere into one seamless experience. The emphasis on exploration ensures you won’t just see Madrid, but actually connect with it. And because our content reveals hidden gems, you’ll always discover something new. Expand your journey by downloading the Explory App. Explore over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories, all accessible from your phone. Whether you need a trusted guide, a flexible audio guide, or a structured city tour, Explory offers everything in one place. Start your adventure today and explore Madrid like never before with Explory.

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