The history of the Champions League is filled with epic encounters, but few rivalries have been as intense and storied as the Madrid derby between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid. These two powerhouses have clashed in some of the most unforgettable matches in the competition’s history, with thrilling finals, stunning comebacks, and encounters that have left an indelible mark on generations of fans.
Looking back, it’s clear that the fixture has been dominated by Real Madrid, with the first meeting between the two sides dating back to 1959. Since then, each encounter has been a thrilling spectacle, with the whites often coming out on top. Let’s take a journey through some of the most memorable Madrid derbies in Champions League history.
Recent Encounters
One of the most recent and memorable encounters was the semifinal matchup in the 2016/17 season, which Real Madrid won 4-2 on aggregate. The first leg at the Bernabéu saw Cristiano Ronaldo net a stunning hat-trick, leaving Atlético reeling. Although the rojiblancos fought back in the return leg, scoring two early goals, a dazzling piece of skill from Karim Benzema and a goal from Isco just before halftime extinguished any hopes of a comeback.
Another notable encounter was the 2016 Champions League final, which ended 1-1 after extra time, with Real Madrid ultimately triumphing 5-3 in a penalty shootout. Sergio Ramos had given Madrid the lead in the first half, but Yannick Carrasco equalized late in the game, forcing the match into extra time. In the end, it was Juanfran’s missed penalty and Cristiano Ronaldo’s conversion that sealed the deal for the whites.
Other Notable Matches
The quarterfinals of the 2014/15 season saw Real Madrid edged out Atlético 1-0 on aggregate, thanks to a late goal from Javier Hernández in the second leg. The match was marked by high tension, with Atlético’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak putting in a man-of-the-match performance, and Arda Turan’s late red card leaving the rojiblancos with a mountain to climb.
The 2014 Champions League final is also etched in memory, as Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Atlético 4-1 in extra time. Diego Godín had given Atlético the lead, but Sergio Ramos’s 93rd-minute equalizer sent the match into extra time, where Madrid ran riot with goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first-ever meeting between the two sides in the European Cup was in the 1958/59 semifinals, which Real Madrid won 2-1 in a playoff after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate. The first leg saw Madrid win 2-1 at home, with goals from Rial and Ferenc Puskás, while the return leg ended 1-0 in favor of Atlético, forcing a deciding match in Zaragoza, which Madrid won 2-1 with goals from Puskás and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
These epic encounters have contributed to the storied history of the Madrid derby, a rivalry that continues to captivate audiences around the world. With each passing year, the intensity and drama of these matches only seem to grow, making the Champions League a must-watch competition for football fans everywhere.