3 of the Most Memorable Madrid Derbies in Recent Memory

The Madrid Derby is one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with an intensity that captures the essence of Spain’s capital city. Both clubs boast rich histories, passionate fanbases, and a shared hatred that transcends mere sporting competition.

Over the years, this rivalry has produced some truly unforgettable encounters. From nail-biting Champions League finals to La Liga thrillers, the Madrid Derby has never failed to deliver high-octane drama. In recent years, there have been several derbies that stand out. And with another iteration of this famous derby right around the corner, we decided to take a look at some of the most memorable clashes between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent years. So, without further ado, here are the three best Madrid derbies (in my opinion) of recent years. 

1) 2014 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (AET)  

Few derbies in football history can match the sheer drama of the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final. Held in Lisbon, this match remains one of the greatest ever Madrid derbies, as it marked the first time these two bitter rivals faced each other in a European final. Atletico Madrid entered the match having just won La Liga under Diego Simeone, while Real Madrid were desperate to secure their fabled "La Décima"—a record 10th European Cup. 

The atmosphere was electric, with both sets of fans bringing incredible energy to the Estádio da Luz. Atletico, as always under Simeone, relied on their rock-solid defense and aggressive pressing to frustrate Real Madrid. It seemed to work. Atletico took the lead in the 36th minute through Diego Godín, who capitalized on a mistake by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas, heading the ball into an empty net. Atletico held the advantage as the game progressed, and as the clock ticked into stoppage time, it seemed that Simeone’s men were going to secure their first-ever Champions League title.  

But then came one of the most iconic moments in football history. With just seconds left, Real Madrid won a corner in the 93rd minute. Luka Modric swung the ball in, and Sergio Ramos, rising like a hero in a Greek epic, headed home the equalizer, breaking Atletico hearts. The timing of the goal felt like a gut punch for Atletico, who had defended valiantly. 

In extra time, Atletico’s fatigue started to show, and Real Madrid took full advantage. Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored to complete a 4-1 victory. Though the scoreline might suggest a comfortable win, the match was anything but—Real Madrid had to dig deep, and Ramos' last-gasp header is still one of the most dramatic moments in the history of the sport. This game is unforgettable not only because it delivered "La Décima" for Real Madrid but also for the emotional rollercoaster that it took fans on. Atletico, so close to the biggest prize in European football, were left devastated, while Real Madrid fans were overjoyed. It was a derby that had it all—tension, drama, heartbreak, and ecstasy. 

2) 2016 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (AET, Real Madrid win 5-3 on penalties) 

Just two years after that unforgettable night in Lisbon, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid met again in the UEFA Champions League final, this time in Milan. Once again, Atletico were looking to exact revenge and claim their first-ever European crown, while Real Madrid were eager to extend their dominance on the continental stage. 

The match itself was a cagey affair, but the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Real Madrid drew first blood in the 15th minute when Sergio Ramos, once again the hero, bundled the ball over the line from close range, though replays suggested that he may have been offside. Atletico struggled to break down Real’s defense for much of the match. But in the second half, they were handed a lifeline when Pepe fouled Fernando Torres inside the box, leading to a penalty for Atletico. 

However, the pressure proved too much for Antoine Griezmann, who saw his spot-kick crash against the crossbar. Atletico fans watched in agony as their hopes seemed to slip away. But this was a Diego Simeone team, built on grit and determination, and they fought back. In the 79th minute, substitute Yannick Carrasco finished off a brilliant move to make it 1-1, sending the match into extra time for the second consecutive Madrid derby in the Champions League final. Extra time was an intense, nervy affair, with neither side able to find a breakthrough. And so, the match went to penalties—a fitting way to settle such a dramatic encounter. 

Real Madrid were clinical in the shootout, with Lucas Vázquez, Marcelo, Bale, and Ramos all converting their penalties. Juanfran missed Atletico’s fourth penalty, hitting the post, which gave Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to seal the win. The Portuguese superstar made no mistake, coolly slotting home to give Real Madrid their 11th Champions League title, or "La Undécima." The 2016 final was another heartbreaker for Atletico Madrid. They had come so close, only to be denied yet again by their fiercest rivals. For Real Madrid, it was yet another chapter in their storied European history, with Ronaldo and Ramos once again playing key roles. 

3) 2018 UEFA Super Cup: Real Madrid 2 – 4 Atletico Madrid (AET) 

The 2018 UEFA Super Cup between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid was an unforgettable night in Tallinn. It was the first time the Madrid rivals faced off in the UEFA Super Cup, and the tension was palpable. On one side, Atletico Madrid, known for their grit and resilience under Diego Simeone. On the other, Real Madrid, fresh from a hat-trick of Champions League titles but stepping into a new era without their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. This was also Julen Lopetegui’s debut game as Real’s manager, and what a baptism of fire it was. 

Right from the opening whistle, Atletico wasted no time. Diego Costa scored in just 49 seconds. It was the fastest goal in UEFA Super Cup history. He muscled his way past Raphael Varane and smashed the ball high into the net from an impossible angle. It was a stunning blow to Real and sent Atletico fans into a frenzy. A goal so quick, so powerful, that it seemed to shake Real Madrid’s confidence. But Real aren’t European champions for nothing. Slowly, they worked their way back into the match, controlling possession, looking for weaknesses in Atletico’s well-drilled defense. Their persistence paid off when Karim Benzema nodded home a brilliant cross from Gareth Bale in the 27th minute. Suddenly, the game was back on, and Real Madrid were looking dangerous. 

In the second half, Real Madrid took the lead when Sergio Ramos coolly slotted in a penalty after Juanfran’s handball in the box. At this point, it seemed like the tide had turned. Real Madrid looked poised to take control, and Atletico’s early momentum had faded. But if there’s one thing Atletico know how to do, it’s to fight back. With just 11 minutes of regular time left, Diego Costa struck again, bundling the ball into the net after some chaotic defending from Real. Extra time was on. In extra time, Atletico Madrid came alive. Saul Niguez produced a moment of magic, volleying home a thunderous strike that left Keylor Navas with no chance. Atletico weren’t done yet. Koke sealed the deal with a composed finish, making it 4-2 and securing Atletico’s triumph. It was a night to remember for Los Rojiblancos. 

For Atletico, this victory was more than just silverware. It was a statement. They hadn’t just beaten Real Madrid—they had outplayed them, showing that the balance of power in the city was shifting. For Real, it was a harsh reminder that the post-Ronaldo era would not be smooth sailing. Lopetegui’s reign had begun, but with it came questions, uncertainty, and the sting of defeat in a game that mattered the most.     

Also Read: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates