Honestly didn’t plan this trip at first. Was just scrolling online, you know how it is, saw stuff about Atletico Madrid’s training camp down in Marbella. Warm sun, Spanish coast… way better than staring at my grey apartment wall. Got that itchy feet feeling. Booked it on a total whim last Tuesday. Packed my old trainers and a decent camera. Figured, worst case, I get a tan.
Getting There & First Impressions
Landed at Malaga airport – wow, that heat hits you like a wall. Took the bus straight to Marbella, dumped the bag at the hostel. Grabbed a quick tapas thing, couldn’t even tell you what it was, cause I was buzzing to get to the Ciudad Deportiva. Bit tricky finding the entrance, it’s tucked away off the main road. Paid the entry, got this little wristband. Felt kinda touristy, but whatever. Walking in, first thing you see? Perfect green pitches stretching out.
Where the Magic Happens (Sort Of)
The tour kicked off near this museum bit. Loads of old shirts, trophies, photos of players looking way younger. Saw Simeone’s manager suit behind glass! Felt weirdly close to it all. Guide then took us around the actual facilities:
- The Pitch: Mate, this turf is like carpet. Seriously. You could eat your dinner off it. Stood right on the touchline imagining Griezmann or Morata sprinting past.
- Inside Scoop: Peeked into the physio rooms – looked fancy, all the machines. And the gym? Massive weights area, treadmills facing the sea view. Lucky sods sweating it out with that backdrop.
- The Sanctum: Got shown the players’ lounge. Big sofas, pool table, massive TV screen. Basically a lads’ dream hangout. Plus, walked past the changing rooms. Smelled faintly of deep heat and glory days.
Why You Gotta Go (My Four Cents)
So, coming out, sun baking down, sat on the wall outside. Got thinking why this was actually well worth dodging work emails for:
- Way Closer Than Madrid: Forgetting the Bernabeu circus. This is just… real. Seeing where they actually work? Hear the studs scrape on concrete? Way more personal, less frantic.
- Behind The Velvet Rope: You see the other 90% of a footballer’s life. The medical beds, the ice baths, the canteen chairs – the boring stuff that actually makes them play on Saturday.
- Sunshine & Football: Come on. Marbella. Even if you hate footy (why are you here?), the place is stunning. Blue sky, coast, palm trees. Training ground sits right in it. Makes the whole thing feel premium.
- Not Just Plastic Fans: Weird mix on my tour. Couple of hardcore Atleti families in full kits, some old guys analysing tactics, a few tourists just curious. Laughed together at the guide’s jokes about Simeone’s intensity. Nice vibe.
Wrapping Up
Finished the tour sweating buckets. Wandered back towards town, grabbed an ice-cold Estrella Galicia at this tiny bar with plastic chairs. Sat there rewatching the rubbish photos I took, but actually buzzing. It wasn’t just seeing some training gear; it felt like you’d caught a glimpse under the hood of a proper football machine. And it’s just… chilled out? No pressure, no huge crowds, just soaking it all in.
Honestly? If you get the chance, skip the museum for a day. Head down here. See where the grind happens. Feel that sun. Drink that beer. Totally get why the squad loves it.
