MADRID, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the two most popular clubs in Spain, according to the European Football Benchmark 2018 study which was published on Tuesday.

Although that fact may not be much of a surprise, the study also had some interesting data to add concerning the preferences of Spanish football supporters.

39 percent of those asked said that Real Madrid was their favorite club, while 28 percent declared themselves to be followers of Barcelona, with Atletico Madrid in third place with 9 percent and Athletic Club Bilbao fourth.

However, as well as being the most popular clubs in Spain, Madrid and Barcelona are also the most unpopular, with 35 percent of supporters saying they disliked Barcelona, while 30 percent of supporters expressed negative feelings towards Real Madrid.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the survey was the fact that Girona, who are only in their second season in La Liga, are the third least popular club in the league with 24 percent of fans saying they dislike the Catalan outfit.

Among other findings, the survey says that supporters believe Real Madrid to be the most ambitious and international club, while Athletic Club Bilbao, who have a policy of only using players born or raised in the Basque region in the north of Spain and the south-west of France, are considered the most authentic. Madrid based Rayo Vallecano are considered to be the friendliest club in Spain.