People who know me will testify that I am not the world's biggest football fan. But, when in Rome (or rather, Madrid), you don't turn down tickets for the Madrid Derby - the league clash between rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
The two clubs have contrasting identities and a bitter rivalry - Atlético are seen as the working class, left-wing team: Real the rich, upper-class team, favoured by the government during the Franco era. Atlético haven't won a match against Real in La Liga since 1999, so the atmosphere was tense.
We joined the waves of Atlético supporters (and a fair few quiet Real fans in disguise) flooding into Estadio Vincente Calderón, Atlético's home ground. As the players ran out, the crowd held up red and white cards, painting the whole stadium in Atlético's colours.
But if Real were intimidated, they didn't show it: they won 2-1. Atlético have another year to wait for their elusive victory.
