Stars from Real and Atletico backed Madrid's 2018 Ryder Cup bid ahead of their derby clash at the Vicente Calderon.
Rivals are 'All Together' in their support for 2018 bid
It is one of the fiercest rivalries in global football, yet when Real Madrid took on Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium on Saturday 19th March, both clubs united to show their support of the bid to bring the Ryder Cup to the Spanish capital in 2018.
The Ryder Cup Madrid 2018 bid already boasts a number of high-profile supporters including the likes Rafael Nadal, Sergio Garcia, José María Olazábal and bid patron and Ryder Cup legend Severiano Ballesteros.
Now, the city's most famous clubs are also backing the bid.
Prior to the derby, the captains of both teams lead the sides out on to the pitch behind a banner of support to show the unity behind the Madrid 2018 bid. The game was watched by an estimated 35 million fans throughout the globe and provided the perfect stage to further raise awareness of the bid.
Spanish national team captain Iker Casillas is proud to be backing the bid.
He said: "As captain of Real Madrid, we are happy to support Madrid's Ryder Cup 2018 bid. Madrid's people, the food, the infrastructure and the golf course will deliver the most successful Ryder Cup ever. I hope to see you all at the 2018 Ryder Cup... in Madrid! Todos Juntos. All Together."
Atlético Madrid captain Diego Forlan added: "Since moving to Atletico four years ago, I have experienced first-hand how passionate the Madrileños are. If the Ryder Cup were to come here in 2018, I'm sure the people of Madrid, would make it memorable. As captain of Atletico de Madrid, we are proud to support the Madrid 2018 bid."
The show of support by both teams has been extremely well received by the President of the Spanish Golf Federation, Gonzaga Escauriaza.
"I would like to thank both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for offering their support to the Madrid bid at such a crucial time for us," he said. "The motto of our bid is 'Todos Juntos', meaning 'All Together', and this is yet another demonstration of just how together the community of Madrid is in its goal to bring the Ryder Cup here in 2018."
