The Madrid Derby, known as El Derbi Madrileño, pits Atlético Madrid against Real Madrid in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, captivating fans with high-stakes clashes since 1906. This guide provides detailed club histories, key players, head-to-head stats, and insights for supporters tracking results and legacy, drawing from decades of La Liga and European battles.
Atlético Madrid: Club Introduction
Atlético Madrid, nicknamed Los Colchoneros (The Mattress Makers) for their striped kits, embodies resilience as Madrid’s working-class club. Based at the 68,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano since 2017, they compete in La Liga with a reputation for defensive grit and counterattacking flair.
Founding and Ownership
Founded on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid, a branch of Athletic Bilbao, by Basque students in Madrid. It became independent in 1921, adopting its current name in 1947 after merging influences. Owned as a sociedad anónima deportiva (S.A.D.), majority control rests with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín (CEO) and Enrique Cerezo (President), with no single billionaire owner.
Main Players and Standouts
Key squad members include:
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Antoine Griezmann (forward, creative hub)
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Julián Alvarez (striker, dynamic scorer)
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Conor Gallagher (midfielder, tireless engine)
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Samuel Lino (winger, pacey threat)
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Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak, widely regarded as Atlético’s best player for his 15+ year tenure, over 300 clean sheets, and elite shot-stopping (90%+ save rate in peaks).
Oblak edges as the standout for longevity and big-game reliability.
Real Madrid: Club Introduction
Real Madrid, Los Blancos (The Whites), stands as football’s most decorated club with 15 UEFA Champions Leagues and global prestige. They play at the iconic 81,000-seat Santiago Bernabéu, blending attacking dominance with star power.
Founding and Ownership
Officially founded 6 March 1902 as Madrid Football Club by brothers Juan and Carlos Padrós, tracing roots to 1897 Sky Football group. Granted “Real” (Royal) title by King Alfonso XIII in 1920. Florentino Pérez serves as President since 2009 (third stint), effectively the owner through his influence over the member-elected board.
Main Players and Most Expensive
Current stars feature:
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Vinícius Júnior (winger, explosive dribbler)
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Kylian Mbappé (forward, speed demon)
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Jude Bellingham (midfielder, box-to-box force)
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Federico Valverde (midfielder, long-range threat)
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Rodrygo (winger, versatile finisher)
Mbappé is the most expensive signing at €180 million (2024 transfer from PSG), shattering records.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head History
The first derby occurred 2 December 1906 (Regional Championship); Real won 2-1. Across 235+ competitive meetings (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Europe), Real Madrid leads with 115 wins to Atlético’s 64, 50+ draws.
Historical Comparison
| Metric | Real Madrid | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 115 | 64 |
| La Liga Derbies | 50 wins | 28 wins |
| Champions League Wins | 4 | 1 |
| Goals Scored | 430+ | 290+ |
| Biggest Win | 9-1 (1947) | 5-0 (1947) |
Real Madrid dominates trophies (36 La Liga vs Atlético’s 11; 15 UCL vs 0), fueled by financial edge and icons like Di Stéfano, Ronaldo. Atlético’s peaks include 1974 La Liga double and Simeone-era resilience (2014 UCL final).
Most Frequent Winning Players
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Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo (11 goals in derbies, pivotal in 2010s wins).
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Atlético Madrid: Antoine Griezmann (9 goals/assists, clutch in Simeone’s unbeaten streaks).
Recent form (2024-26): Real won 4-3 aggregate in 2025 Copa semis; Atlético stunned 2-1 in La Liga (Dec 2025).
Recent Match Results and Key Stats
As of January 2026:
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Latest La Liga (Dec 2025): Atlético 2-1 Real (Oblak’s saves, Alvarez goal).
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Head-to-Head Streak: Real unbeaten in 5 prior (2023-25).
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Top Scorers (All-Time Derby): Ronaldo (Real, 22 goals total); Luis Aragonés (Atlético, 13).
| Season | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Atlético 2-1 | La Liga |
| 2024/25 | Real 3-1 (agg) | Copa del Rey |
| 2023/24 | Draw 1-1 | La Liga |
Real leads current standings; Atlético excels in derbies under pressure.
Why This Rivalry Endures
Real’s glamour contrasts Atlético’s grit royalty vs rebels fueling passion. With stars like Mbappé vs Oblak, expect fireworks in upcoming fixtures.
FAQs
When was Atlético Madrid founded?
Atlético Madrid was founded on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid.
Who owns Real Madrid?
Florentino Pérez serves as President and de facto leader since 2009.
Who is Atlético Madrid’s best player?
Jan Oblak, the goalkeeper, stands out for his unmatched consistency and clean sheets.
Who is Real Madrid’s most expensive player?
Kylian Mbappé, signed for €180 million from PSG in 2024.
Which team has won more Madrid Derbies?
Real Madrid leads with 115 wins to Atlético’s 64 across all competitions.
What was the first Atlético vs Real Madrid match result?
Real Madrid won 2-1 on 2 December 1906 in the Regional Championship.
Who is the top derby scorer for each team?
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real, 22 goals); Luis Aragonés (Atlético, 13 goals).
