Lucky #LigaBBVAExperience 11 get into the mood

"We're in Madrid, we can't be going to bed already!" Nico, from Colombia, was not willing to call it a day just yet and his pep talk was enough to convince some of our lucky 11 to sample the nightlife after their dinner at Cinco Jotas yesterday. But don't be alarmed, anyone: they are all totally committed to the weekend's cause and were ready at 10 sharp this morning to leave the 'team' hotel and set off for the Vicente Calderon.

If there was any lingering tiredness or jet lag, it faded away no sooner had they entered the Rojiblancos cathedral. The stadium tour positively swept our Latin American fans off their feet. Heading out on to the hallowed turf, sitting in the dugout and doing their best impression of Diego Simeone – who never tires of whipping up the masses – in the technical area, delving into the club's storied history in the trophy room… these were all magical experiences for a group of football lovers who went away with that much more affinity for all things Atletico Madrid.

They left the Calderon hungry for more football and, to keep warming up for the main event that is tomorrow's match, the #LigaBBVAExperience bus's next stop was Vallecas. Our 11 had the chance to watch Rayo Vallecano go through their paces in front of a sizeable crowd, who had braved the elements. Talk about an authentic taste of the beautiful game.

What a morning! Their appetite for football sated, at least temporarily, our guests now found their stomachs rumbling, and lunch at the Sport Bar & Lounge Restaurant allowed them to fuel up for a big slice of culture ahead. The iconic Cibeles kicked off the next part of the schedule, which concluded by the opera house, reached via a walk through the so-called Madrid de los Austrias, an area known for its historical, artistic and architectural heritage. We won't lie, though: the conversation revolved around the likes of Ivan Zamorano, Juan Ramon Riquelme and Juan Arango, rather than the various monarchs, politicians and artists who have left their mark on this part of town. What can we say? This lot simply adore their football.

We turned them loose to wander freely around the streets of the capital for a while, before reconvening at dinner time, to cap the day with a bang at Bodegas Rosell. Waiting for us there were members of Atletico and Granada supporters' clubs, and the prestigious restaurant's aubergine delicacy and scrumptious croquettes were washed down with some fine Ribera del Duero wine, together with a bottomless cup of laughter, chants and anecdotes. What more could you ask for? Well, experiencing a game from the best league in the world in the flesh… but you'll be able to read all about that tomorrow.