In the Media

There are many stories in the world of fan clubs, but very few Peñas can say with pride that their President is the leading voice who has captured our passion in writing. At the Peña Atlética de Alemania, we don’t just have a presence in the stands-we are also on the bookshelves of thousands of Atleti fans.

Our “Presi” has channeled her immense knowledge of Atleti’s fan clubs into a work that has connected directly with the hearts of the supporters. Titled “Merece la Peña”, the book has been such a resounding success that, since its release in September 2025, it has already reached its 3rd edition in just seven months! This journey proves that when you write from the heart and with true expertise, the fans respond.

Summary of the article published in Relevo on October 19th, 2024

The derby on September 29 and its aftermath have sparked major controversy, generating strong reactions among Atlético peñistas. The sanctions proposed by the Competition and Anti-Violence Committees, along with the club’s decision to restrict ticket sales for the fan section, have been especially controversial. The Atlético fanbase perceives this as an unfair campaign against their team, partly driven by their eternal rival.

As is customary for our away trips, the Peña Atlética de Alemania is always present many hours before the matches, in what is colloquially known as the “Previa” (eng. “pre-match gathering”). In this case, this meeting was organized in a pub in the city of Dortmund where the Champions League match between Dortmund and Atleti was taking place. More than 60 Atlético supporters from our club or friendly clubs attended this gathering. In an unbeatable festive atmosphere, food and drinks were enjoyed in good company until it was time to move to the Westfallenstadion.

The sports newspaper ’Mundo Deportivo’ echoes the story of the ‘Peña Atlética de Alemania’, with the main thread being the personal story of Carmen, our president and co-founder of the Fan Club. A club that has revitalized the enthusiasm for Atlético Madrid in Germany.

In the article, the passion of the club members, both Spanish and German, for the “colchonero” team and their participation in all Champions League matches is highlighted. Additionally, it emphasizes the identification of Germans with Atlético’s values, such as perseverance and fighting against adversities. Carmen expresses optimism ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund, trusting in the strength of the fans to secure the team’s qualification for the next phase.

El Anfiteatro, Nr. 42

TODAY WE INTERVIEW: CARMEN GARCÍA, PEÑA AT. DE ALEMANIA

From Cologne, the president of the Peña Atlética de Alemania shares her outlook on life in red and white, discusses the reality of peñistas outside of Spain, and assesses the “I Encuentro de Peñas Europeas.”

Carmen García can’t imagine life without Atleti. She never has, despite the kilometers, flights, and round trips. At nineteen, she set course for Cologne to follow the path her Spanish immigrant parents had traced in ‘60 and retraced in ‘67, when she was born. There she put down roots, but without losing sight of Madrid and the Metropolitano. With a degree in Hispanic Philology and a great love for languages, she helps Atleti fans from different parts of the world form their own supporters’ clubs while leading her own. She speaks to El Anfiteatro with her usual warmth and cheerfulness.