The Madrid Derby: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid, History and Rivalry

The Madrid derby, known in Spanish as El Derbi Madrileño, is the rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, the two biggest clubs in Spain's capital. Real Madrid is the most decorated club in European soccer, while Atlético has built a reputation as a fierce, hard-working challenger. Their meetings in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa and the Champions League are some of the most intense matches in world soccer.

Two clubs, two identities

	Real Madrid	Atlético Madrid
Founded	1902	1903
Nicknames	Los Blancos, Los Merengues	Los Colchoneros, Los Rojiblancos
Stadium	Santiago Bernabéu	Metropolitano
Colors	All white	Red and white stripes
Image	Glamour, superstars, European dominance	Grit, passion, the underdog spirit

Atlético was founded by Basque students as a branch of Athletic Club of Bilbao, which is why the clubs once shared colors. The nickname "Colchoneros" (mattress makers) comes from the red-and-white stripes that resembled old mattress covers.

A rivalry shaped by imbalance

For most of the rivalry's history, Real Madrid has been the more successful club, winning far more league titles and a record number of European Cups and Champions Leagues. Atlético has enjoyed its own golden periods, winning La Liga titles in several eras, including in 2013–14 and 2020–21 under coach Diego Simeone. That imbalance gives the derby its emotional edge: for Atlético fans, beating Real is a chance to prove themselves; for Real fans, losing to Atlético is unthinkable.

Famous Madrid derbies

The 2013 Copa del Rey final

Atlético beat Real Madrid 2–1 after extra time at the Bernabéu, winning the cup in their rival's stadium and ending a long run without a derby victory. It was a turning point for Simeone's team.

The 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon

Atlético led 1–0 into stoppage time and were moments from their first European Cup when Sergio Ramos headed an equalizer in the 93rd minute. Real Madrid scored three more goals in extra time to win 4–1 and claim their long-awaited tenth European title, known as "La Décima."

The 2016 Champions League final in Milan

Two years later the clubs met again in the final. The match ended 1–1, and Real Madrid won the penalty shootout, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the decisive kick. For Atlético, it was another heartbreak.

Atlético's big wins

Under Simeone, Atlético became much more competitive in league derbies, including memorable wins at the Bernabéu. In September 2025, Atlético beat Real 5–2 at the Metropolitano, one of the most striking derby scorelines in years.

Recent meetings

The rivalry remains close. In January 2026, Real Madrid beat Atlético 2–1 in the Supercopa semifinal in Jeddah. Most recently, on September 20, 2026, Atlético won the La Liga derby 2–1 at the Metropolitano, with a penalty from Alejandro Grimaldo and a goal from Jonathan David, while Real Madrid finished with ten men after a red card. Antonio Rüdiger scored a late consolation for Real.

The stadiums

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, in the north of the city, was extensively renovated with a retractable roof and a modern exterior. Atlético left its historic Vicente Calderón stadium beside the Manzanares River in 2017 and moved to the Metropolitano on the eastern edge of Madrid, which hosted the 2019 Champions League final.

Key figures of the derby

• Diego Simeone – Atlético's coach since 2011, who turned the club into a consistent challenger.
• Sergio Ramos – scorer of the most famous derby goal, in the 2014 final.
• Cristiano Ronaldo – scored many goals against Atlético, including the winning penalty in 2016.
• Antoine Griezmann – one of Atlético's greatest scorers and a derby specialist.
• Fernando Torres – the Atlético academy hero, idolized by Colchoneros fans.

The women's Madrid derby

The rivalry has extended to women's soccer, where Atlético Madrid Femenino won several league titles before Real Madrid launched its women's team in 2020. Their meetings in Liga F now draw growing crowds.

How to watch the Madrid derby

La Liga derbies are usually scheduled for evenings or weekends, with tickets in high demand. In the US, La Liga matches are broadcast on major sports networks and streaming services. Visitors to Madrid can tour both stadiums when there is no match. Read more about Spain's sporting culture in sports in Spain, and about the city's legends in Barcelona legends from Real's other great rival.