On the road with Bayern in Madrid: A father-son journey in red and white

FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if they have to travel hundreds of kilometres on the Autobahn or by rail, or across oceans and deserts. We want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better: our away fans with their special stories, their love and their passion for FC Bayern.

On the stone steps of the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real, overlooking the Palacio Real – the Royal Palace of Madrid – three Bayern fans are enjoying the warm Madrid sunshine. It is a warm late-autumn day in Spain’s capital, where at 21:00 CET, LaLiga’s second-placed side, Atlético Madrid, will face Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern. Before the evening’s match at the Estadio Metropolitano, there is time for a chat, a few photos of the magnificent buildings, and plenty of anticipation for this cracker of a Champions League clash.

Martin Winter is 39 years old and comes from Weiden in the Upper Palatinate region. He stands out in a red Bayern jersey. Toegther with his father Rudi, who’s sporting a Bayern scarf and a thick, bright red Bayern puffer coat, he’s part of an 18-person group of supporters who were lucky enough to get tickets for the match. The journey to Madrid began early for the father and son: setting off from Weiden at dawn for Prague Airport, after landing in Madrid on matchday, they headed to the hotel and then straight into the city centre. “The things we do just to see FC Bayern,” says Rudi with a grin. 

Rudi will turn 73 this year and has been to places such as Barcelona, Istanbul and Rome with FC Bayern. He has been on many trips with the supporters’ club; he’s already been to Madrid once this year, though that was last season for the glorious victory over Atlético’s city rivals, Real Madrid. Now, for the first time, he is sharing an away trip like this with his son. What binds them together, apart from family, is of course the joy of watching matches together and the special atmosphere on the road.

Their enthusiasm for FC Bayern has grown for different reasons. Martin used to be a footballer and grew up supporting the record champions. Rudi remembers players such as Thomas Müller, Franz Beckenbauer and Paul Breitner, as well as the times at the Olympiastadion. Tonight’s football evening continues this shared history – this time in Madrid. For the three fans – a friend from the supporters’ club has also joined them on this impromptu city tour – it’s not just the match that counts today, but also the journey they’re taking together. FC Bayern brings generations together and creates memories that last a lifetime.

When asked about the team’s prospects, Rudi remains cautious. Injuries, opponents and form on the day all play a part. But one thing is clear to him: Bayern are always among the frontrunners. And one hope remains: perhaps to travel to Madrid once more this season, on 5 June 2027. That’s when the Champions League final will be held in the Spanish capital.