Atletico Madrid have not been regularly playing in the Champions League until 2014. They have only made fourteen appearance in this European top flight competition but their home games since their return in that season, either in their old homebase the 54,907-seat Vicente Calderon or in their current one, Wanda Metropolitano, have alwayss Luis Aragones, Javier Irrueta, Diego Godin, Diego Costa, Koke, Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez have helped the team to do well so far. been lively. About 68,000 fans have brought unforgettable atmosphere during the European nights.
Los Rojiblancos might not have won a single title in the Champions League yet despite reaching the finals several times. However, a number of distingushed players such a
Meanwhile, the Argentine managers seem to be the distinguished names who have led Atletico for their almost-win moments. Juan Carlos Lorenzo and Diego Simeone have been the men behind their three finals so far.
Top Achievements
Atletico Madrid have been able to reach the UEFA Champions League final for three times. Unfortunately, they failed in all three occasions.
Los Chochoneros played their first final in 1974 against the German giant, Bayern Munich led by Der Kaizer Franz Beckenbauer. They lost 0-4 at the replay after holding Bundesliga side in a 1-1 draw. At that time, there was no extra time rule yet and all tie had to be decided by a replay match.
Their second and third finals were more hurtful as their local contender, Real Madrid, was responsible to crush their silverware dream. Los Blancos smashed Atletico 4-1 on the extra time in 2014 Lisbon final and beat them again on penalties two years later in San Siro, Milan. Their next best achievements were as the semifinalist in 1959, 1971 and 2017. Once again, Real Madrid ended their campaign twice, while Ajax did it in 1971.
Iconic Moments in the Champions League
Los Choconeros do have some historic moments on the pitch. Their debut in the Champions League was quite memorable. In 1958/59 and they managed to advance to the semi final after eliminating Schalke in 4-1 aggregate. The next one was in the last four of 1974 edition. Luis Aragones and Co thumped the Scottish Champions Celtic in 2-0 aggregate for their maiden final.
Their return to UCL in 2014 also marked the rise of Atletico to the top. Their stunning win 3-1 over Chelsea on the road sent them to the second final. Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa and Arda Turan netted their winning goals. Two years later, Diego Simeone’s men progressed to the summit after eliminating Bayern in 2-2 aggregate by away goal rule. Their 1-0 victory at the first leg was the key moment. Saul Niguez found the back of Neuer’s net at their home turf.
The most unfortunate moments in Atletico’s Champions League campaign were surely losing at the replay in 1974 final and previously in 1959 semifinal, beaten on the extra time and on penalties. Los Rojiblancos is the living proof of the so-called Champions League hoodoo for any teams without great European ‘tradition’ and history as the elite club.
