Discover atletico-madrid
# Atlético Madrid – pride, defiance and a club that never stops believing
Atlético Madrid are a club built on emotion. While their city rivals Real Madrid are associated with global superstars, luxury and the expectation of victory, Atlético have created the identity of a fighter who must earn every success. Disappointment, dramatic defeats and unexpected triumphs have produced an exceptionally powerful bond between the club and its supporters.
The phrase “Nunca dejes de creer” – Never stop believing – perfectly expresses Atlético’s approach to football. A match is not lost until it is over, and victory feels most meaningful when it has been preceded by sacrifice, suffering and struggle.
## Basque roots in the heart of Madrid
Atlético were founded on 26 April 1903 by a group of Basque students living in Madrid. Originally named Athletic Club de Madrid, the team began as the Madrid branch of Athletic Club from Bilbao. It gradually developed its own legal, sporting and social identity before becoming an independent club.
Atlético initially played in blue and white. The famous red-and-white stripes were adopted in 1911. Because similarly striped material was commonly used to make mattress covers at the time, the team acquired the nickname Los Colchoneros – the Mattress Makers. It remains one of the most recognisable nicknames in Spanish football.
The club crest contains the bear and strawberry tree, one of the great symbols of Madrid. The seven stars refer to the Big Dipper constellation and connect the badge to the wider region of Madrid.
## Success and a place among Spain’s giants
Atlético have won eleven Spanish league titles, ten Copas del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups. Their European honours include three Europa League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and the 1962 European Cup Winners’ Cup. The club have also lifted the Intercontinental Cup.
Atlético’s first great generation won consecutive league championships in 1939/40 and 1940/41. During the 1960s, the club twice defeated Real Madrid in domestic cup finals played inside their rivals’ stadium. The first of those triumphs arrived in 1960 with a 3–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In 1962, Atlético claimed their first major European trophy by defeating Fiorentina in the Cup Winners’ Cup final, confirming their place among the continent’s most respected clubs.
## World champions without winning the European Cup
One of the strangest chapters in Atlético’s history occurred in 1974. The club reached its first European Cup final and faced Bayern Munich in Brussels. A goal by Luis Aragonés gave Atlético the lead in extra time, and they were only seconds away from becoming European champions when Georg Schwarzenbeck equalised with a long-range strike.
Penalty shootouts were not yet used to decide the final, so the teams returned for a replay two days later. A physically and emotionally exhausted Atlético side were beaten 4–0.
Bayern subsequently declined to participate in the Intercontinental Cup, allowing Atlético to represent Europe instead. Victory over Argentina’s Independiente meant Atlético became world champions despite never having won the European Cup.
It was an unusual achievement perfectly suited to the history of a club that rarely experiences success in a simple or predictable way.
## Vicente Calderón – the lost home beside the river
From 1966, Atlético played beside the River Manzanares at a stadium originally named Estadio del Manzanares. It was later renamed Vicente Calderón in honour of the influential club president who oversaw its completion.
The Calderón became one of Europe’s most distinctive football grounds. A major road passed underneath one of its stands, while the proximity of the crowd to the pitch helped generate an intense atmosphere. Across more than five decades, Atlético celebrated 19 trophies, famous European victories and their return to the continent’s elite inside the stadium.
The final competitive match was played there in 2017. Leaving the Calderón was deeply painful for many supporters, and its eventual demolition represented the end of a defining period in Atlético’s history.
## Metropolitano – Atlético’s modern home
In September 2017, the club moved to the new Metropolitano in north-east Madrid. The modern stadium holds more than 70,000 spectators, with most seats protected by its vast roof, which also helps to trap the noise inside the arena.
Antoine Griezmann scored Atlético’s first goal at the new ground. The Metropolitano later hosted the 2019 Champions League final and has gradually developed its own history and character.
Before important fixtures, tens of thousands of supporters gather around the stadium wearing red-and-white shirts and scarves. The club anthem greets the players as they enter the pitch, while the steep stands create one of the loudest atmospheres in Spanish football. The stadium is at its most intense for the Madrid derby and major Champions League nights.
## El Derbi Madrileño
Atlético’s greatest rivals are Real Madrid. The Madrid derby traditionally brings together two clubs with contrasting public identities. Real represent the royal name, global stars and European success. Atlético portray themselves as the team of people accustomed to fighting against the odds.
The real social divisions within Madrid are far more complicated today, but the contrast between the clubs remains an important part of the rivalry. For Atlético supporters, no other victory carries quite the same satisfaction as defeating Real.
In 2013, Atlético beat Real in the Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from Diego Costa and Miranda completed a comeback and ended a long period without a derby victory.
The clubs met again in the 2014 Champions League final. Atlético led until the third minute of stoppage time, when Sergio Ramos equalised before Real took control in extra time. Another final defeat followed in 2016, this time through a penalty shootout. These remain two of the most painful nights in Atlético’s history.
A measure of revenge arrived in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, when Atlético defeated Real 4–2 after extra time.
## El Doblete and relegation
The 1995/96 season remains one of the greatest in Atlético’s history. Radomir Antić’s team, featuring Diego Simeone, Milinko Pantić, Kiko Narváez and José Luis Caminero, won both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. The domestic double became known simply as El Doblete.
Only four years later, the club experienced the complete opposite. Sporting problems, chaotic leadership and constant managerial changes contributed to a disastrous campaign. Despite possessing several excellent players, Atlético were relegated in 2000.
The club spent two seasons outside the top division. Paradoxically, this period strengthened the relationship between the team and its supporters. The fans remained loyal during the club’s lowest moment and helped reinforce the idea that Atlético’s identity is based not only on victory, but on standing together through hardship.
## Diego Simeone and the birth of modern Atlético
The most important period in Atlético’s modern history began when Diego Pablo Simeone became head coach in December 2011. The former Atlético midfielder inherited a team that had lost its direction and quickly restored its confidence, discipline and identity.
His philosophy was built around “partido a partido” – one match at a time. Simeone created a team based on defensive organisation, intensity, aggressive pressing, fast transitions and complete commitment. The style became known as Cholismo, taken from the coach’s nickname, El Cholo.
Under Simeone, Atlético have won two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Super Cup, two Europa Leagues and two UEFA Super Cups. They have also reached two Champions League finals.
Atlético secured the 2014 league title on the final day of the season at Barcelona’s stadium. Diego Godín’s header earned the draw required to finish above both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Another championship followed in 2021 after a dramatic title race lasting until the final round.
Simeone’s football attracts both admiration and criticism. Supporters see a brilliant example of discipline, unity and the ability to compete against wealthier opponents. Critics accuse his teams of being overly cautious, wasting time and prioritising the destruction of the opposition’s game. What cannot be disputed is that he transformed Atlético’s position and made the club a permanent member of Europe’s elite.
## Legends of the red-and-white shirt
Luis Aragonés is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Atlético’s history. As a player, he remained the club’s leading scorer for decades and later returned for several spells as head coach. His belief in “winning, winning and winning again” became part of the club’s identity.
Adelardo Rodríguez held Atlético’s appearance record for many years. José Eulogio Gárate was an elegant forward and three-time leading scorer in LaLiga. Paulo Futre, Kiko, Milinko Pantić and Fernando Torres became idols for later generations.
Atlético’s modern rise was shaped by Diego Forlán, Sergio Agüero, Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa, Gabi, Diego Godín, Juanfran, Filipe Luís and Jan Oblak.
Academy graduate and long-serving captain Koke eventually became the club’s record appearance holder. Antoine Griezmann surpassed Luis Aragonés to become Atlético’s all-time leading scorer. The Frenchman’s departure for Barcelona and his later return initially divided supporters, but his performances gradually helped him regain their respect.
## Controversy, tradition and the return of the old crest
Atlético’s history has rarely been peaceful. The turbulent presidency of Jesús Gil was marked by outspoken behaviour, disputes, constant managerial changes and institutional instability that eventually contributed to the club’s relegation in 2000.
The club’s redesigned crest also became a major source of controversy after the move to the new stadium. Many supporters refused to accept the modernised version introduced in 2017 and campaigned for the restoration of the traditional badge.
Atlético eventually held a binding vote among their members. Almost nine out of every ten participants supported the previous crest, which officially returned in 2024.
The episode demonstrated the importance of history and tradition within the club. Atlético may move into a modern stadium and develop into a global sporting brand, but their supporters remain fiercely protective of symbols inherited from previous generations.
Atlético Madrid are not a club for those expecting easy victories. They are a club for supporters who believe the greatest joy can only arrive after pain has been overcome. That is precisely why their triumphs carry such extraordinary emotional power.
Atlético Madrid are a club built on emotion. While their city rivals Real Madrid are associated with global superstars, luxury and the expectation of victory, Atlético have created the identity of a fighter who must earn every success. Disappointment, dramatic defeats and unexpected triumphs have produced an exceptionally powerful bond between the club and its supporters.
The phrase “Nunca dejes de creer” – Never stop believing – perfectly expresses Atlético’s approach to football. A match is not lost until it is over, and victory feels most meaningful when it has been preceded by sacrifice, suffering and struggle.
## Basque roots in the heart of Madrid
Atlético were founded on 26 April 1903 by a group of Basque students living in Madrid. Originally named Athletic Club de Madrid, the team began as the Madrid branch of Athletic Club from Bilbao. It gradually developed its own legal, sporting and social identity before becoming an independent club.
Atlético initially played in blue and white. The famous red-and-white stripes were adopted in 1911. Because similarly striped material was commonly used to make mattress covers at the time, the team acquired the nickname Los Colchoneros – the Mattress Makers. It remains one of the most recognisable nicknames in Spanish football.
The club crest contains the bear and strawberry tree, one of the great symbols of Madrid. The seven stars refer to the Big Dipper constellation and connect the badge to the wider region of Madrid.
## Success and a place among Spain’s giants
Atlético have won eleven Spanish league titles, ten Copas del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups. Their European honours include three Europa League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and the 1962 European Cup Winners’ Cup. The club have also lifted the Intercontinental Cup.
Atlético’s first great generation won consecutive league championships in 1939/40 and 1940/41. During the 1960s, the club twice defeated Real Madrid in domestic cup finals played inside their rivals’ stadium. The first of those triumphs arrived in 1960 with a 3–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In 1962, Atlético claimed their first major European trophy by defeating Fiorentina in the Cup Winners’ Cup final, confirming their place among the continent’s most respected clubs.
## World champions without winning the European Cup
One of the strangest chapters in Atlético’s history occurred in 1974. The club reached its first European Cup final and faced Bayern Munich in Brussels. A goal by Luis Aragonés gave Atlético the lead in extra time, and they were only seconds away from becoming European champions when Georg Schwarzenbeck equalised with a long-range strike.
Penalty shootouts were not yet used to decide the final, so the teams returned for a replay two days later. A physically and emotionally exhausted Atlético side were beaten 4–0.
Bayern subsequently declined to participate in the Intercontinental Cup, allowing Atlético to represent Europe instead. Victory over Argentina’s Independiente meant Atlético became world champions despite never having won the European Cup.
It was an unusual achievement perfectly suited to the history of a club that rarely experiences success in a simple or predictable way.
## Vicente Calderón – the lost home beside the river
From 1966, Atlético played beside the River Manzanares at a stadium originally named Estadio del Manzanares. It was later renamed Vicente Calderón in honour of the influential club president who oversaw its completion.
The Calderón became one of Europe’s most distinctive football grounds. A major road passed underneath one of its stands, while the proximity of the crowd to the pitch helped generate an intense atmosphere. Across more than five decades, Atlético celebrated 19 trophies, famous European victories and their return to the continent’s elite inside the stadium.
The final competitive match was played there in 2017. Leaving the Calderón was deeply painful for many supporters, and its eventual demolition represented the end of a defining period in Atlético’s history.
## Metropolitano – Atlético’s modern home
In September 2017, the club moved to the new Metropolitano in north-east Madrid. The modern stadium holds more than 70,000 spectators, with most seats protected by its vast roof, which also helps to trap the noise inside the arena.
Antoine Griezmann scored Atlético’s first goal at the new ground. The Metropolitano later hosted the 2019 Champions League final and has gradually developed its own history and character.
Before important fixtures, tens of thousands of supporters gather around the stadium wearing red-and-white shirts and scarves. The club anthem greets the players as they enter the pitch, while the steep stands create one of the loudest atmospheres in Spanish football. The stadium is at its most intense for the Madrid derby and major Champions League nights.
## El Derbi Madrileño
Atlético’s greatest rivals are Real Madrid. The Madrid derby traditionally brings together two clubs with contrasting public identities. Real represent the royal name, global stars and European success. Atlético portray themselves as the team of people accustomed to fighting against the odds.
The real social divisions within Madrid are far more complicated today, but the contrast between the clubs remains an important part of the rivalry. For Atlético supporters, no other victory carries quite the same satisfaction as defeating Real.
In 2013, Atlético beat Real in the Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from Diego Costa and Miranda completed a comeback and ended a long period without a derby victory.
The clubs met again in the 2014 Champions League final. Atlético led until the third minute of stoppage time, when Sergio Ramos equalised before Real took control in extra time. Another final defeat followed in 2016, this time through a penalty shootout. These remain two of the most painful nights in Atlético’s history.
A measure of revenge arrived in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, when Atlético defeated Real 4–2 after extra time.
## El Doblete and relegation
The 1995/96 season remains one of the greatest in Atlético’s history. Radomir Antić’s team, featuring Diego Simeone, Milinko Pantić, Kiko Narváez and José Luis Caminero, won both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. The domestic double became known simply as El Doblete.
Only four years later, the club experienced the complete opposite. Sporting problems, chaotic leadership and constant managerial changes contributed to a disastrous campaign. Despite possessing several excellent players, Atlético were relegated in 2000.
The club spent two seasons outside the top division. Paradoxically, this period strengthened the relationship between the team and its supporters. The fans remained loyal during the club’s lowest moment and helped reinforce the idea that Atlético’s identity is based not only on victory, but on standing together through hardship.
## Diego Simeone and the birth of modern Atlético
The most important period in Atlético’s modern history began when Diego Pablo Simeone became head coach in December 2011. The former Atlético midfielder inherited a team that had lost its direction and quickly restored its confidence, discipline and identity.
His philosophy was built around “partido a partido” – one match at a time. Simeone created a team based on defensive organisation, intensity, aggressive pressing, fast transitions and complete commitment. The style became known as Cholismo, taken from the coach’s nickname, El Cholo.
Under Simeone, Atlético have won two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Super Cup, two Europa Leagues and two UEFA Super Cups. They have also reached two Champions League finals.
Atlético secured the 2014 league title on the final day of the season at Barcelona’s stadium. Diego Godín’s header earned the draw required to finish above both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Another championship followed in 2021 after a dramatic title race lasting until the final round.
Simeone’s football attracts both admiration and criticism. Supporters see a brilliant example of discipline, unity and the ability to compete against wealthier opponents. Critics accuse his teams of being overly cautious, wasting time and prioritising the destruction of the opposition’s game. What cannot be disputed is that he transformed Atlético’s position and made the club a permanent member of Europe’s elite.
## Legends of the red-and-white shirt
Luis Aragonés is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Atlético’s history. As a player, he remained the club’s leading scorer for decades and later returned for several spells as head coach. His belief in “winning, winning and winning again” became part of the club’s identity.
Adelardo Rodríguez held Atlético’s appearance record for many years. José Eulogio Gárate was an elegant forward and three-time leading scorer in LaLiga. Paulo Futre, Kiko, Milinko Pantić and Fernando Torres became idols for later generations.
Atlético’s modern rise was shaped by Diego Forlán, Sergio Agüero, Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa, Gabi, Diego Godín, Juanfran, Filipe Luís and Jan Oblak.
Academy graduate and long-serving captain Koke eventually became the club’s record appearance holder. Antoine Griezmann surpassed Luis Aragonés to become Atlético’s all-time leading scorer. The Frenchman’s departure for Barcelona and his later return initially divided supporters, but his performances gradually helped him regain their respect.
## Controversy, tradition and the return of the old crest
Atlético’s history has rarely been peaceful. The turbulent presidency of Jesús Gil was marked by outspoken behaviour, disputes, constant managerial changes and institutional instability that eventually contributed to the club’s relegation in 2000.
The club’s redesigned crest also became a major source of controversy after the move to the new stadium. Many supporters refused to accept the modernised version introduced in 2017 and campaigned for the restoration of the traditional badge.
Atlético eventually held a binding vote among their members. Almost nine out of every ten participants supported the previous crest, which officially returned in 2024.
The episode demonstrated the importance of history and tradition within the club. Atlético may move into a modern stadium and develop into a global sporting brand, but their supporters remain fiercely protective of symbols inherited from previous generations.
Atlético Madrid are not a club for those expecting easy victories. They are a club for supporters who believe the greatest joy can only arrive after pain has been overcome. That is precisely why their triumphs carry such extraordinary emotional power.
