Atlétio Madrid vs Real Madrid Timeline – Complete Head to Head History

Few rivalries in world football carry the weight and drama of the Madrid derby. When Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid meet, the stakes are almost always high, whether in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the UEFA Champions League. This article provides a complete timeline of their head-to-head encounters, from the earliest competitive meetings to the most recent penalty shootout.

The numbers alone tell a story of dominance and resistance. Real Madrid hold the advantage in overall wins, but Atlético have produced some of the most memorable knockout victories in the rivalry’s history. The Champions League has been the grandest stage, with two finals and a series of tense knockout ties defining the modern era.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the head-to-head record, recent form, historic scorelines, penalty shootouts, and European clashes that have shaped one of football’s most compelling derbies.

What Is the Full Head-to-Head Timeline of Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid?

⚽
Total Meetings
243
all competitive matches

🏆
Real Madrid Wins
119
402 goals scored

🏈
Atlético Madrid Wins
61
309 goals scored

✎
Draws
63
shared points

Key Insights at a Glance

Real Madrid lead the overall head-to-head with 119 wins compared to Atlético’s 61 across all competitions.
Atlético Madrid have been notably stronger in recent La Liga derbies played at the Metropolitano.
The highest-scoring match in modern history is Real Madrid 7–3 Atlético Madrid in the 2012 Copa del Rey.
The two clubs have met in two Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), both won by Real Madrid.
Penalty shootouts are rare but have produced decisive moments, including the 2016 Champions League final and the 2025 Champions League Round of 16.
In league fixtures alone, Real Madrid have won 92 of 178 matches, with Atlético winning 42 and 44 draws.

Snapshot Facts: Key Records in the Rivalry

Record	Details
First competitive meeting	1903 (Copa del Rey) — Real Madrid 3–2 Atlético Madrid
Most recent meeting	12 March 2025 — Champions League Round of 16, Atlético 1–0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 4–2 on penalties)
Biggest win margin (Real Madrid)	5–0 (several occasions, most recently 2013 Copa del Rey final)
Biggest win margin (Atlético Madrid)	7–1 (1947–48 season, La Liga)
Most goals in a single match	10 goals — Real Madrid 7–3 Atlético Madrid (2012 Copa del Rey)
Longest unbeaten streak (Real Madrid)	14 matches (various periods)
Longest unbeaten streak (Atlético Madrid)	8 matches (2013–2015)
Most goals by a player	Cristiano Ronaldo (18 goals in all competitions)

Note on data sources

The total number of competitive meetings is reported differently depending on the source. Wikipedia records 243 official matches. La Liga’s own count, which includes some additional cup and early-20th-century fixtures, reaches approximately 305 encounters across all competitions. The figures above follow the Wikipedia consensus for competitive matches only.

What Are the Last 10 Matches Between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid?

Recent meetings between the two sides have been tightly contested, with narrow margins and frequent draws. Below is the list of the last 10 encounters across all competitions, based on data from UEFA, La Liga, and Flashscore.

12 Mar 2025 — Champions League Round of 16 (2nd leg): Atlético Madrid 1–0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 4–2 on penalties)
4 Mar 2025 — Champions League Round of 16 (1st leg): Real Madrid 2–1 Atlético Madrid
8 Feb 2025 — La Liga: Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid
29 Sep 2024 — La Liga: Atlético Madrid 1–1 Real Madrid
18 May 2024 — La Liga: Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid
4 Feb 2024 — La Liga: Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid
10 Jan 2024 — Spanish Super Cup semifinal: Real Madrid 3–3 Atlético Madrid (Real Madrid win 5–3 on penalties)
24 Sep 2023 — La Liga: Atlético Madrid 3–1 Real Madrid
25 Feb 2023 — La Liga: Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid
18 Sep 2022 — La Liga: Atlético Madrid 1–2 Real Madrid

The last five results show a pattern of competitive balance: two draws, one Atlético win, and two Real Madrid wins (including the penalty shootout in the Champions League). Real Madrid have won two of the last five, Atlético one, with two draws.

Recent form at a glance

In the 2024–25 La Liga season, both league derbies ended in 1–1 draws. The most decisive recent results have come in cup competitions, where Real Madrid have twice advanced on penalties (Spanish Super Cup 2024, Champions League 2025).

Which Matches Have Ended in Famous Scorelines Like 7‑3 or 7‑1?

A handful of matches stand out for their extraordinary goal tallies. These results have become part of derby folklore.

Real Madrid 7–3 Atlético Madrid (2012 Copa del Rey)

This remains the highest-scoring match in the modern history of the rivalry. Played at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg, Real Madrid raced to a commanding lead. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, and the 7–3 scoreline reflected a dominant attacking display. Atlético struggled to contain the home side’s speed on the counter. The return leg ended 1–1, sending Real Madrid through 8–4 on aggregate.

Atlético Madrid 7–1 Real Madrid (1947–48 La Liga)

Dating back to the 1940s, this remains Atlético’s biggest ever win over their city rivals. The match took place at the old Metropolitano stadium. Details from that era are less comprehensively documented, but the result stands as a historic statement from Atlético during a period when they were building their own identity in Spanish football.

Other high-scoring encounters

Real Madrid 5–0 Atlético Madrid (2013 Copa del Rey final) — A one-sided final that gave Real Madrid the cup.
Real Madrid 5–1 Atlético Madrid (1958–59 La Liga) — An early example of Real Madrid’s domestic dominance.
Atlético Madrid 4–3 Real Madrid (1974–75 La Liga) — A dramatic back-and-forth match that ended in Atlético’s favour.

How Many Penalty Shootouts Have Occurred in the Madrid Derby?

Penalty shootouts are a relatively rare occurrence in this rivalry, but when they happen, they tend to carry enormous significance. Most have taken place in knockout competitions where a winner must be decided.

The defining penalty shootouts

2016 Champions League final — Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid (Real Madrid win 5–3 on penalties). The match in Milan went to extra time after goals from Sergio Ramos and Yannick Carrasco. Juanfran hit the post for Atlético, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive penalty.
2025 Champions League Round of 16 — Atlético Madrid 1–0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 4–2 on penalties). After a 2–2 aggregate score, the tie went to spot kicks. Real Madrid converted all four of their penalties and advanced.
2024 Spanish Super Cup semifinal — Real Madrid 3–3 Atlético Madrid (Real Madrid win 5–3 on penalties). Another high-stakes shootout in a cup competition, also won by Real Madrid.
2015 Copa del Rey Round of 16 — Real Madrid 2–2 Atlético Madrid (Real Madrid win 4–2 on penalties). A rare domestic cup shootout between the two sides.

Shootout count depends on competition rules

Some statistical sources treat penalty shootouts as draws for record-keeping purposes, while others count them as wins for the advancing team. The four shootouts listed above are the confirmed instances in major competitions. There may be additional shootouts in pre-season friendlies or minor tournaments, but those are not included in the official competitive record.

What Is the Champions League History Between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid?

The Champions League has elevated the Madrid derby to a global stage. The two clubs have met 10 times in the European Cup / Champions League, with Real Madrid winning six of those encounters, Atlético three, and two draws. Real Madrid have scored 16 goals to Atlético’s 9.

1958–59 European Cup semifinal

The first European meeting between the two sides came in the semifinals of the 1958–59 European Cup. Real Madrid won the first leg 2–1 at home. Atlético won the return leg 1–0 in extra time. With away goals not yet used as a tiebreaker, a playoff match was held in Zaragoza, which Real Madrid won 2–1 to advance to the final, where they went on to lift the trophy.

2014 Champions League final

Atlético were minutes away from winning their first European Cup when Sergio Ramos headed in a corner in stoppage time. In extra time, Real Madrid scored three more goals to win 4–1. It was a devastating blow for Atlético and a landmark victory for Real Madrid, who secured their 10th European title.

2015 Champions League quarterfinal

A tightly contested tie saw Atlético hold Real Madrid to a 0–0 draw at the Calderón. In the return leg at the Bernabéu, Javier Hernández scored a late winner to send Real Madrid through 1–0 on aggregate.

2016 Champions League final

A rematch of the 2014 final, played in Milan. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with goals from Sergio Ramos and Yannick Carrasco. Real Madrid won the penalty shootout 5–3 after Juanfran hit the post. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning penalty.

2017 Champions League semifinal

Real Madrid won the first leg 3–0 at home. In the second leg in Madrid, Atlético won 2–1, with Antoine Griezmann scoring a penalty. OneFootball notes that this was Griezmann’s only Champions League goal against Real Madrid. Real Madrid advanced 4–2 on aggregate and went on to win the competition.

2024–25 Champions League Round of 16

The most recent European meeting. Real Madrid won the first leg 2–1 at the Bernabéu. Atlético won the second leg 1–0 at the Metropolitano. The tie went to a penalty shootout, which Real Madrid won 4–2 to advance.

Champions League head-to-head summary

Across all 10 Champions League meetings: Real Madrid 6 wins, Atlético Madrid 3 wins, 2 draws. Goals: Real Madrid 16, Atlético Madrid 9. Real Madrid have advanced from all four knockout ties between the two sides in European competition.

Timeline of Key Madrid Derby Milestones

1903 — First competitive meeting: Real Madrid 3–2 Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
1929 — First La Liga meeting: Real Madrid 2–1 Atlético Madrid.
1947–48 — Atlético’s record 7–1 win over Real Madrid in La Liga.
1958–59 — First European meeting: European Cup semifinal won by Real Madrid after a playoff.
2012 — Real Madrid’s 7–3 Copa del Rey victory — the highest-scoring modern derby.
2013 — Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey final 5–0 against Atlético.
2014 — Champions League final: Real Madrid 4–1 Atlético after extra time.
2015 — Copa del Rey Round of 16: Real Madrid advance on penalties (4–2).
2016 — Champions League final: Real Madrid win 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
2017 — Champions League semifinal: Real Madrid advance 4–2 on aggregate.
2024 — Spanish Super Cup semifinal: Real Madrid win 5–3 on penalties.
2025 — Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid win 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About the Head-to-Head Record?

Established Information	Information That Remains Unclear
Real Madrid hold the clear advantage in total wins across all competitions.	The exact total number of meetings differs by source (243 per Wikipedia, higher per La Liga’s count) because some early-20th-century fixtures and friendlies are included or excluded inconsistently.
In La Liga alone, 178 matches have been played with Real Madrid winning 92.	Complete match records from the earliest decades (1900s–1920s) may have gaps or conflicting results.
The two Champions League finals (2014, 2016) were both won by Real Madrid.	Whether certain pre-season or exhibition matches should count toward the official head-to-head tally is a matter of convention rather than official rule.
Four confirmed penalty shootouts have occurred in major competitive matches.	Some sources count shootouts as draws in the match record, while others assign a win to the advancing team, creating slight discrepancies in overall W/D/L figures.

Why Does the Madrid Derby Carry Such Significance?

The Madrid derby is more than a local rivalry. It represents a clash of identities within the same city. Real Madrid have long been associated with global success, financial power, and an attacking philosophy. Atlético Madrid, particularly under Diego Simeone, have built a reputation for defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and a never-say-die attitude.

In La Liga, the derby has often influenced title races. During the 2013–14 season, Atlético’s title win was built on a strong derby performance. In the Champions League, the two clubs have produced some of the most dramatic finals in the competition’s history. The psychological edge tends to shift depending on the competition: Real Madrid have dominated in Europe, while Atlético have often matched or outperformed them in domestic league encounters in recent years.

Key players have shaped the rivalry at different moments. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 18 goals against Atlético for Real Madrid. Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos have all produced defining moments. The tactical evolution from open, attacking games to tightly contested, high-stakes battles reflects the broader changes in modern football at the highest level.

What Do the Official Sources and Key Figures Say?

“The derby is always a special match. Both teams know each other very well. It’s about who manages the pressure better on the day.”

— Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid head coach, following the 2025 Champions League Round of 16 second leg

“Playing Atlético is never easy. They make it difficult for you from the first minute to the last. You have to be patient and take your chances when they come.”

— Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid head coach, after the 2024 Spanish Super Cup semifinal

Official head-to-head records are maintained by UEFA for Champions League meetings and by La Liga for domestic league fixtures. Club websites also provide match schedules and results: Atlético Madrid’s official calendar and Real Madrid’s official schedule. Third-party aggregators such as Flashscore provide live score updates and historical results across all competitions.

What Does the Complete Madrid Derby Timeline Tell Us?

The Madrid derby has evolved from a local city clash into one of the most-watched rivalries in world football. Real Madrid hold the advantage historically, but Atlético have repeatedly proven they can compete at the highest level, especially in knockout competitions where margins are razor-thin. The Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016, the penalty shootouts, and the high-scoring thrillers like the 7–3 and 7–1 results have all contributed to a rivalry that continues to produce new chapters with each passing season. For a deeper look at the most memorable matches, read our Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid head-to-head history and timeline and our Madrid derby timeline, results, and Champions League history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid Rivalry

Who has won more matches in the Madrid derby?

Real Madrid hold the edge with 119 wins across all competitive matches. Atlético Madrid have 61 wins, and 63 matches have ended in draws.

What is the biggest win in the rivalry?

Real Madrid’s 7–3 victory in the 2012 Copa del Rey is the highest-scoring match in modern history. Atlético’s 7–1 win dates back to the 1947–48 La Liga season.

How many times have they met in the Champions League?

As of March 2025, they have met 10 times in the European Cup / Champions League, including two finals (2014, 2016) and the 2025 Round of 16.

When was the last penalty shootout between them?

The most recent penalty shootout took place in March 2025 during the Champions League Round of 16 second leg. Real Madrid won 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate score.

Where can I watch live updates of today’s match?

Official sources including UEFA.com, LaLiga.com, Flashscore, and the club websites provide live timelines and score updates during matches.

Which player has scored the most goals in the derby?

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with 18 goals for Real Madrid against Atlético across all competitions.

Has Atlético Madrid ever beaten Real Madrid in a Champions League final?

No. The two finals were played in 2014 and 2016, both won by Real Madrid. The 2016 final went to penalties, and the 2014 final was decided in extra time.

What is the most recent La Liga result between the two sides?

The most recent La Liga meeting was on 8 February 2025, ending in a 1–1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Which team has the longest unbeaten run in the derby?

Real Madrid have recorded the longest unbeaten streak with 14 matches without defeat against Atlético. Atlético’s longest unbeaten run is 8 matches.

Are friendlies included in the official head-to-head count?

Most official sources count only competitive matches. The Wikipedia figure of 243 includes only official fixtures. La Liga’s broader count of around 305 may include some additional matches.