Rivals Unite For 2018 Ryder Cup Bid

Real Madrid faced Athletico Madrid in one of the fiercest rivalries in European football at the weekend, but the two La Liga teams were able to unite in their support of the bid to bring the Ryder Cup to the Spanish capital in 2018.

Rafael Nadal, Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal and bid patron Severiano Ballesteros are also supporting the campaign, along with the city’s two football teams.

The captains of the two teams led their respective teams out behind a banner of support, to show the unity behind the Madrid 2018 bid.

Spain and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas said: ‘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’.

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’.

According to media reports the game, which Real won 2-1 with goals from Benzema and Ozil, was watched by around 35m fans around the globe.

President of the Spanish Golf Federation, Gonzaga Escauriaza said: ‘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’.

‘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′.