A right royal match

It's a battle royale between two of Spain's most popular and successful teams and tonight King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are there to cheer both on as they play each other for the Champions' League. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have royal support as they fight to the last in Lisbon.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Champions' League final in Lisbon on May 24th 2014

The king attended the first leg of Real's semi final while Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were there to cheer on Atletico in their semi final but it is the monarchs who are in the royal box for the biggest match of all.  Either way, they will be celebrating a Spanish win.  And with their country enjoying huge success in international competitions in the last few years, they are used to hosting happy footballers at one of their palaces for a celebratory meeting once the final result has been posted.  Never mind the football, thanks to Spain's king and queen this year's Champion's League has turned into a right royal match.

Spain's king and queen arriving at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon for the Champions' League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

Football - by royal appointment

Don't tell David Moyes, but some football teams and their managers are having a good day.  The man who lost the plum job of manager at Manchester United might not feel like kicking back and taking his mind off his woes by watching arch rivals Chelsea take on Atletico Madrid in the Champion's League semi-finals tonight anyway but news there will be a royal audience for the first leg will only make it more of a date to miss for the dumped footie boss.  As Jose Mourinho's men arrive at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, they will be walking out in front of the Prince and Princess of Asturias who are starting off a right royal couple of days for Spain's footballers.

Princess Letizia tries to look interested as Prince Felipe explains yet another offside decision at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa

The heir to the throne and his wife will watch this first semi final while tomorrow King Juan Carlos will be at the Bernabeu in Madrid to see Real Madrid play Bayern Munich in the first leg of the second semi final.  With Spain's national team already holders of the World Cup and European Championship, football in the country is on a bit of a high and the chances of the first all Spanish final in the Champion's League for over ten years is another reason for a bit of royal support.  It will all add to the celebratory feel for football in Madrid over the next forty eight hours.  David Moyes might want to look away now.