As a fan living in Madrid year-round, every mention of the Madrid Derby gets the blood pumping. Today I want to talk about those glorious seasons when teams achieved the double in the Madrid Derby - these years remain unforgettable memories for both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid tactical battles fans.
When discussing double winners, Real Madrid’s dominance in the 2016-2017 season cannot be overlooked. That season, Real Madrid not only claimed the La Liga title but also successfully defended their Champions League crown, becoming the first team to retain the trophy in the competition’s modern format. Zidane’s squad made history at the Bernabéu, with Cristiano Ronaldo in absolutely unstoppable form. I remember when they faced Juventus in the final - the entire city of Madrid erupted.
Historical Performance Comparison
Let me compile both teams’ recent double-winning performances - the data speaks for itself:
| Season | Team | La Liga Position | Champions League Result |
|---|
| 2016-17 | Real Madrid | Champions | Champions |
| 2013-14 | Real Madrid | Runners-up | Champions |
| 2015-16 | Real Madrid | Runners-up | Champions |
| 2020-21 | Atlético Madrid | Champions | Quarter-finals |
The table clearly shows Real Madrid’s terrifying dominance in the Champions League. While Atlético has had its moments of glory in La Liga, achieving the double simultaneously is incredibly difficult. Simeone’s Atlético came within one step of the double in the 2013-14 season - they secured the league title, but in the Champions League final, Real Madrid equalized in stoppage time and ultimately won in extra time.
Every Derby match allows you to feel the passion of this city, and the rivalry between both sets of fans extends far beyond the pitch. The atmosphere at the Wanda Metropolitano and the Bernabéu are completely different, yet equally spectacular. Atlético fans’ fighting spirit and resilience truly represent the working-class mentality of the city’s south, while Real Madrid’s elegance and dominance perfectly match their Galácticos positioning.
Honestly, as a neutral fan of Madrid Derby goals, I prefer to see evenly-matched derbies. Atlético has made significant progress under Simeone in recent years, with their counter-attacking style proving highly effective. Although the double still eludes them, their league championship has already proven their strength. If they can make a breakthrough in the Champions League in the coming years, they might just achieve the double.
Personally, I believe the charm of the Madrid Derby lies in its perpetual suspense - whichever team wins the double, it’s a glory for all of Madrid football.
