5 Classic Madrid Derby Matches In La Liga

The Madrid derby, pitting Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid, is one of the fiercest rivalries in football. The stakes are always high, with both teams striving not just for points but also for local bragging rights. Over the years, numerous matches have been etched into the annals of La Liga history, showcasing thrilling moments, extraordinary plays, and unforgettable performances. As of February 8, Real Madrid leads the title race with 49 points from 22 matches, while Atlético Madrid trails closely behind with just one point less. Given the derby’s history and intensity, let’s revisit five classic encounters that have defined the Madrid derby in La Liga.

1. Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (2011-2012 Season)

One of the most iconic matches in the recent history of the Madrid derby occurred on April 2, 2012, at the Vicente Calderón. Real Madrid, aiming for the La Liga title, found themselves relying on their Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in scintillating form.

Match Highlights

• 25′ – Goal by Cristiano Ronaldo
  Ronaldo opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick from 40 yards, showcasing his exceptional skill and power.

• 55′ – Goal by Radamel Falcao
  Atletico equalized with a well-placed header from their star striker, Falcao, bringing the scores to 1-1.

• 68′ – Second Goal by Cristiano Ronaldo
  Ronaldo responded immediately, netting a fantastic long-range shot, restoring Madrid’s lead.

• 83′ – Penalty Goal by Ronaldo
  He completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box.

• 87′ – Goal by José Callejón
  Callejón sealed a glorious night for Madrid, rounding off the scoring at 4-1.

This match was not only significant for the result but also for Ronaldo’s remarkable display, which helped in Real Madrid’s title pursuit during that historic season.

Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in this encounter. Source: IMAGO / Alterphotos

2. Atlético Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid (2013-2014 Season)

The 2013-2014 season was a defining period for Atlético Madrid, as they battled for the La Liga title. In a high-stakes encounter at the Vicente Calderón on March 2, 2014, both teams delivered a classic showcase of football.

Match Highlights

• 3′ – Goal by Karim Benzema
  Benzema scored early to give Real Madrid the lead.

• 28′ – Goal by Koke
  Koke equalized for Atlético with a well-placed shot to bring the tie level.

• 45′ – Goal by Arda Turan
  Just before halftime, Turan scored, turning the tide in favor of Atlético.

• 82′ – Goal by Cristiano Ronaldo
  Not to be outshone, Ronaldo found the back of the net from a Bale assist, salvaging a point for Real Madrid.

This match highlighted not only the talent on both sides but also the determination of Atlético to challenge Madrid’s dominance in La Liga.

Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role again, ensuring Real Madrid didn’t leave empty-handed. Source: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

3. Real Madrid 3-2 Atlético Madrid (2010-2011 Season)

On March 28, 2010, the Santiago Bernabéu hosted a thrilling encounter marked by moments of brilliance from both teams.

Match Highlights

• 10′ – Goal by José Antonio Reyes
  Reyes gave Atlético an early lead, stunning the home crowd.

• 49′ – Goal by Xabi Alonso
  Alonso equalized just after the break, setting the tone for a tense second half.

• 55′ – Goal by Alvaro Arbeloa
  Arbeloa put Los Blancos ahead, giving them a slim lead.

• 62′ – Goal by Gonzalo Higuain
  Higuain added another, giving Real a two-goal cushion.

• 67′ – Goal by Diego Forlan
  Forlan’s penalty narrowed the deficit, but Real held on to win 3-2.

This match underscored the thrilling nature of the derby with both teams displaying skill and tenacity.

The excitement of the Madrid derby is always palpable. Source: IMAGO / ANP

4. Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (2016-2017 Season)

Another dominant display from Real Madrid came on November 19, 2016. This match marked the last time that the two clubs faced each other at the now-demolished Vicente Calderón stadium.

Match Highlights

• 23′ – Goal by Cristiano Ronaldo
  Ronaldo made his mark with a free-kick that deflected past the keeper.

• 71′ – Penalty Goal by Ronaldo
  After being fouled, he converted the penalty to extend the lead.

• 85′ – Another Goal by Ronaldo
  He completed his hat-trick, solidifying his reputation in the derby.

This victory not only highlighted Ronaldo’s skill but also underlined Real’s dominance in the rivalry at that time.

Ronaldo ensured a memorable farewell to the Calderón with an unforgettable performance. Source: IMAGO / Newscom World

5. Atlético Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (2019-2020 Season)

In a recent encounter on November 28, 2020, Atlético Madrid reversed the trend by securing a crucial victory in the derby.

Match Highlights

• 40′ – Goal by Luis Suárez
  The Uruguayan striker sealed the win with a well-placed shot that left Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

This match symbolized a turning point in the derby, indicating Atlético Madrid’s rise in stature and competitiveness in Spanish football, showcasing a strong tactical setup under manager Diego Simeone.

A tactical masterclass from Simeone produced another memorable derby victory. Source: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that the Madrid derby continues to ignite passion among fans and players alike. With the rivalry being as competitive as ever, the next clash on February 8, 2025, promises to provide yet another thrilling chapter in this historic contest. Fans eagerly await the outcomes, hoping to witness moments that will be talked about for years to come.

Related Links

• Real Madrid Official Website
• Atlético Madrid Official Website
• Cristiano Ronaldo on Instagram
• Karim Benzema on Instagram
• For more highlights from previous derbies, check out La Liga’s YouTube Channel.

Table of Key Derby Details

Date	Match Result	Key Players	Significant Moments
04/02/2012	Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético	Ronaldo	Hat-trick performance
02/03/2014	Atlético 2-2 Real Madrid	Koke, Ronaldo	Late equalizer from Ronaldo
28/03/2010	Real Madrid 3-2 Atlético	Higuain	Higuain’s decisive goal for the win
19/11/2016	Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético	Ronaldo	Final Calderón derby with a hat-trick
28/11/2020	Atlético 1-0 Real Madrid	Suárez	Match-winning goal from Suárez to secure important points

The intensity and passion of the Madrid derby lie at the heart of Spanish football, and these matches exemplify why this rivalry is revered worldwide. With history steeped in competition and remarkable performances, fans can only anticipate what the future holds.

Feature image Credit: Google.com/www.si.com