The Vicente Calderon celebrates 50th birthday in style

The Vicente Calderon's 50th birthday turned into a huge celebration for a group of Atletico Madrid members and supporters alike, as they enjoyed an open-door day at their home ground and witnessed the LaLiga Santander clash between their side and Valencia CF at Mestalla. Diego Simeone's troops' impressive 2-0 victory was the icing on the cake.

The fixture has special significance, given that the inauguration of the Vicente Calderon exactly 50 years ago on 2 October 1966 was also marked by a clash between Atletico and Los Che. The 6,000-strong crowd in attendance on Sunday morning visited the most symbolic parts of the stadium from the dressing rooms to the press room, as well as the presidential and directors' boxes.

To top it all off, before enjoying the game on the big screens set up inside the stadium, fans were able to take photos on the pitch with the 19 major trophies that Atletico have won since the ground was inaugurated. They also received a replica of the poster announcing the very first match at the ground on 2 October 1966. It is a historic memento that they will want to keep forever, especially considering the Calderon will shut its doors for good at the end of the season.