Three of the Most Memorable Madrid Derbies in the Champions League

When Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid face off, sparks fly. The Madrid Derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, and when the two clubs collide on the grandest stage of European football – the UEFA Champions League – the stakes are even higher. Over the years, their battles in the competition have produced unforgettable moments, heartbreaks, and legendary performances. So, let’s revisit three of the most memorable Madrid Derbies in Champions League history.

1) 2014 UEFA Champions League Final – Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (AET) 

If there was ever a match that defined Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of European glory, it was the 2014 Champions League final. Dubbed La Décima, this was the night Los Blancos finally clinched their long-awaited 10th European crown, but not without suffering a near heartbreak at the hands of their city rivals. 

Atlético Madrid, under the passionate leadership of Diego Simeone, had enjoyed a remarkable season, clinching the La Liga title just days before the final. With their well-drilled defense and incredible work ethic, they were poised to make history. They took the lead in the 36th minute when Diego Godín capitalized on a mistake by Iker Casillas, sending a looping header over the stranded goalkeeper. 

From that moment, Atlético did what they do best – defend with every ounce of energy. Time ticked away, and Real Madrid, despite throwing everything forward, struggled to break through. But football can be cruel, and in the third minute of stoppage time, Luka Modrić swung in a perfect corner, and Sergio Ramos rose highest to power in a header past Thibaut Courtois. The equalizer shattered Atlético’s resistance. 

In extra time, Real Madrid dominated a visibly exhausted Atleti side. Gareth Bale headed in from a rebound in the 110th minute, Marcelo added a third with a powerful strike, and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the win with a penalty in the 120th minute. Real Madrid had their Décima, while Atlético were left heartbroken, minutes away from what could have been their first European Cup. 

2) 2016 UEFA Champions League Final – Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético Madrid (5-3 on penalties) 

Two years later, Atlético Madrid got their shot at revenge – another Champions League final against their bitter rivals. This time, the match was played at the iconic San Siro in Milan, and the tension was even higher than before. 

Zinedine Zidane, who had taken over as Real Madrid manager mid-season, had guided his team to yet another final. And just like in 2014, it was Los Blancos who struck first. In the 15th minute, Sergio Ramos, once again Atlético’s tormentor, flicked in a goal after a scrappy buildup in the box. Though replays suggested he may have been marginally offside, but the goal stood. Atlético had a golden opportunity to equalize early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty. But Antoine Griezmann saw his effort crash against the crossbar. It seemed like another frustrating night for Los Rojiblancos. 

However, with just over 10 minutes remaining, substitute Yannick Carrasco finished off a brilliant team move, slotting home from close range to send Atlético’s fans into raptures. The match went to extra time, but neither side could find a winner, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Real Madrid were flawless from the spot, converting all five of their penalties. Juanfran was the unfortunate Atlético player who missed, hitting the post with his attempt. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the final penalty and, with all the confidence in the world, smashed it past Jan Oblak to secure Real Madrid’s 11th European title. 

For Atlético, it was another agonizing defeat at the hands of their fiercest rivals. Two finals in three seasons, both lost to Real Madrid in the most heartbreaking fashion imaginable. 

3) 2017 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final – Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid (Agg. 2-4) 

A year after their Milan heartbreak, Atlético and Real met again in the Champions League, this time in the semi-finals. The first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Cristiano Ronaldo put on an absolute masterclass, scoring a hat-trick to give Real Madrid a dominant 3-0 lead. Atlético had a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Vicente Calderón, but if there was one team capable of defying the odds, it was Simeone’s Atleti. 

Atlético came out firing in the second leg, desperate to pull off a historic comeback. The atmosphere inside the Calderón was electric, and within the first 16 minutes, Atlético had stunned their rivals. Saúl Ñíguez opened the scoring with a towering header, and just minutes later, Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty after Fernando Torres was fouled inside the box. Suddenly, Atlético were just one goal away from leveling the tie. 

However, Real Madrid had other plans. In the 42nd minute, Karim Benzema produced an outrageous moment of skill, somehow dribbling past three Atlético defenders near the byline before cutting the ball back to Toni Kroos. Oblak made a great save, but Isco was there to bury the rebound. That goal effectively killed the tie. 

Atlético fought until the very end, but the damage had been done. Real Madrid advanced to the final with a 4-2 aggregate win and eventually went on to beat Juventus to win their 12th Champions League title. This semi-final wasn’t just another Madrid Derby – it was the last-ever European match played at the Vicente Calderón before Atlético moved to the Wanda Metropolitano.