History of Atlético Madrid in Timeline

Atlético Madrid, often called Atlético or Atleti, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, competing in La Liga. Their home stadium is the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with a capacity of 70,692. The club is a significant presence in Spanish football.

April 1903: Club Foundation

In April 1903, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid was founded as a branch of Athletic Bilbao by Basque students living in Madrid.

1904: Joined by Real Madrid Members

In 1904, dissident members of Real Madrid joined Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid.

1909: Acquisition of Southampton Kits

In late 1909, Juan Elorduy traveled to England to buy kits for Athletic Bilbao and Athletic Madrid, but instead purchased red and white shirts from Southampton FC due to a shortage of Blackburn Rovers kits.

1910: Adoption of Red and White Stripes

By 1910, both Athletic Bilbao and Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid adopted their current colors of red and white stripes, possibly due to the cost-effectiveness of using mattress ticking material for shirts. This contributed to the club's nickname, Los Colchoneros.

1911: Copa del Rey Victory with Borrowed Players

Athletic Bilbao won the 1911 Copa del Rey Final using several 'borrowed' players from Athletic Madrid, including Manolón who scored one of their goals.

1919: Land Acquisition Near Ciudad Universitaria

In 1919, the Compañía Urbanizadora Metropolitana acquired land near the Ciudad Universitaria.

1921: Copa del Rey Runners-Up

In 1921, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid were Copa del Rey runners-up, facing Athletic Bilbao in the final.

1921: Independence and Stadium Move

In 1921, Athletic Madrid became independent of Athletic Bilbao and moved into the Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid, a 35,800-seater stadium.

1926: Copa del Rey Runners-Up Again

In 1926, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid were Copa del Rey runners-up again, facing parent club Athletic Bilbao.

1928: Invitation to La Liga

In 1928, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid was invited to join the Primera División of the inaugural La Liga, to be played the following year.

1934: Brief Return to La Liga

In 1934, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid briefly returned to La Liga.

1936: Relegation and Reprieve

In 1936, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid was relegated from La Liga after Josep Samitier replaced Fred Pentland as manager, but they were given a reprieve due to the Spanish Civil War affecting other teams.

1937: Foundation of Aviación Nacional

In 1937, Aviación Nacional was founded by three aviation officers of the Spanish Air Force.

November 1939: Athletic Aviación Wins Spot in Primera División

On 26 November 1939, Aviación Nacional won a match against Osasuna 3–1, securing a spot in the Primera División, leading to the formation of Athletic Aviación de Madrid.

1939: Merger with Club Aviación Nacional

In 1939, Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid merged with Club Aviación Nacional.

September 1940: Supercopa de España Victory

In September 1940, Atlético Aviación won the first Supercopa de España after beating RCD Español with a 10–4 aggregate victory.

1941: Second Consecutive La Liga Title

In 1941, under manager Ricardo Zamora, Athletic Aviación retained their La Liga title.

December 1946: Decision to Drop Military Association

On 14 December 1946, the club decided to drop the military association from its name.

1946: Name Change to Atlético de Madrid

In 1946, following the merger with Club Aviación Nacional, the club was renamed to Atlético de Madrid.

1947: Biggest Win Over Real Madrid

In 1947, Atlético beat Real Madrid 5–0 at the Metropolitano, marking their biggest win over their cross-town rivals.

1947: End of Germán Gómez's Consecutive Seasons

In 1947, the 1947–48 campaign ended Germán Gómez's eight consecutive seasons for the Rojiblancos.

1950: La Liga Title

In 1950, under Helenio Herrera and with the help of Larbi Benbarek, Atlético won La Liga.

1951: La Liga Title

In 1951, under Helenio Herrera and with the help of Larbi Benbarek, Atlético won La Liga again.

1953: Departure of Helenio Herrera

In 1953, with the departure of Helenio Herrera, Atlético began to fall behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

1957: Ferdinand Daučík Takes Charge

In 1957, Ferdinand Daučík took charge of Atlético Madrid.

1958: Second Place in La Liga and European Cup Qualification

In the 1957–58 season, Atlético finished second in La Liga, qualifying for the 1958–59 European Cup because Real Madrid was the reigning champion.

1960: Copa del Rey Victory

In 1960, led by former Real Madrid coach José Villalonga, Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

1961: First European Title Since 1962

Atletico's 2010 Europa League win was the first time since the 1961–62 European Cup Winners' Cup that Atlético had claimed a European title.

1961: La Liga Runners-Up

In 1961, Atlético Madrid finished as La Liga runners-up.

1961: Copa del Rey Victory

In 1961, led by José Villalonga, Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final for the second consecutive year.

1962: European Cup Winners' Cup Victory

In 1962, Atlético Madrid won the European Cup Winners' Cup, beating Fiorentina 3–0 after a replay.

1963: La Liga Runners-Up

In 1963, Atlético Madrid finished as La Liga runners-up.

1963: European Cup Winners' Cup Final Loss

In 1963, Atlético Madrid reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final but lost to Tottenham Hotspur 5–1.

1965: La Liga Runners-Up

In 1965, Atlético Madrid finished as La Liga runners-up after an intense battle for the title with Real Madrid.

October 1966: Inauguration of Vicente Calderón Stadium

On October 2, 1966, Atlético Madrid inaugurated the Vicente Calderón Stadium with a fixture against Valencia, moving from the Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid.

1966: La Liga Title

In 1966, Atlético Madrid won La Liga.

1969: José Eulogio Gárate Wins Pichichi

In 1969, José Eulogio Gárate won the Pichichi.

1970: La Liga Title

In 1970, Atlético Madrid won La Liga.

1970: José Eulogio Gárate Wins Pichichi

In 1970, José Eulogio Gárate won the Pichichi.

1971: José Eulogio Gárate Wins Pichichi

In 1971, José Eulogio Gárate won the Pichichi.

1972: Copa del Rey

In 1972, Atlético Madrid won Copa del Rey.

1973: La Liga Title

In 1973, Atlético Madrid won La Liga.

1974: First Champions League Final Since 1974

Atletico faced city rivals Real Madrid in the May 2014 Champions League final, which was their first Champions League final since 1974.

1974: European Cup Final Loss

In 1974, Atlético Madrid lost the European Cup Final against Bayern Munich after a replay, despite a late goal from Aragonés.

1974: UEFA Champions League Final

In 1974, Atlético Madrid reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.

1974: Luis Aragonés Appointed as Coach

Shortly after the defeat in the 1974 European Cup Final, Atlético appointed their veteran player Luis Aragonés as coach.

1976: Copa del Rey

In 1976, Atlético Madrid won Copa del Rey.

1977: La Liga Title

In 1977, Atlético Madrid won La Liga.

1980: End of Real Madrid Dominance

Between 1961 and 1980, Real Madrid dominated La Liga, winning the competition 14 times. During this era, only Atlético offered Real any serious challenge.

1980: End of First Coaching Spell

In 1980, Luis Aragonés's first coaching spell ended.

1982: Start of Second Coaching Spell

In 1982, Luis Aragonés started his second coaching spell.

1985: La Liga Runners-Up and Copa del Rey Victory

In 1985, Luis Aragonés led Atlético Madrid to a runners-up finish in La Liga and a victory in the Copa del Rey, with significant contributions from Hugo Sánchez.

1986: European Cup Winners' Cup Final Loss

In 1986, Atlético Madrid lost their third successive European final, this time in the European Cup Winners' Cup against Dynamo Kyiv.

1987: Transformation to S.A.D.

In 1987, Jesús Gil oversaw the transformation of Atlético Madrid from a sports club to a sociedad anónima deportiva (S.A.D.).

1987: End of Second Coaching Spell

In 1987, Luis Aragonés's second coaching spell ended.

1987: Jesús Gil Became Club President

In 1987, controversial politician and businessman Jesús Gil became the president of Atlético Madrid.

1990: La Liga Runners-Up

During the 1990–91 season, Atlético finished as runners-up in La Liga, 10 points behind Johan Cruyff's Barcelona.

1991: Copa del Rey Trophy

In 1991, Atlético won one Copa del Rey trophy.

1991: Start of Third Coaching Spell

In 1991, Luis Aragonés started his third coaching spell.

1992: Copa del Rey Trophy and Youth Academy Closure

In 1992, Atlético won a Copa del Rey trophy and Gil closed down Atlético's youth academy.

1992: Fraudulent Misappropriation and Sociedad Anónima Deportiva Conversion

In 1992, Jesús Gil committed a fraud of misappropriation by seizing 95% of Atlético's shares while failing to effectively pay during the club's forced conversion from fan-owned club to Sociedad Anónima Deportiva.

1993: End of Third Coaching Spell

In 1993, Luis Aragonés's third coaching spell ended.

1994: Avoided Relegation

In the 1994–95 league campaign, Atlético avoided relegation via a draw on the last day of the season.

1995: Simeone pivotal player

According to Spanish football writer Andy West, Atlético fans came to quickly to embrace Simeone, especially in light of his role as a pivotal player in their 1995-96 league and cup double.

1995: Managerial Change and Squad Clearance

In the summer of 1995, Atlético made another managerial change along with a wholesale squad clearance during the summer transfer window.

1996: UEFA Champions League Qualification

During the 2007-08 season, the team finished in fourth place, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1996–97 season.

1996: La Liga and Copa del Rey Double

In 1996, Atlético Madrid won both the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey, achieving a domestic double.

1996: First La Liga Title Since 1996

The La Liga title win on May 17, 2014 was Atletico's first since 1996.

1997: UEFA Champions League Participation

In the 1996–97 season, Atlético participated in the UEFA Champions League for the first time, but were eliminated by Ajax in the quarter-finals.

1998: Arrigo Sacchi Appointment

Before the 1997–98 season, Atlético continued heavy spending and Arrigo Sacchi was appointed manager, though he remained for less than six months.

December 1999: Suspension of Gil and Board

In December 1999, Gil and his board were suspended pending an investigation into the misuse of club funds.

1999: Claudio Ranieri Appointment

In early 1999, Antić returned briefly only to be replaced with Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.

2000: Relegation and Copa del Rey Final

In 2000, Atlético were relegated for the second time in 66 years, despite reaching the Copa del Rey final.

2002: Fernando Torres La Liga Debut

In 2002, Aragonés gave Fernando Torres his La Liga debut.

2002: Segunda División Championship

In 2002, Atlético won the Segunda División championship, bringing them back to the Primera División.

2002: Start of Fourth Coaching Spell

In 2002, Luis Aragonés started his fourth coaching spell.

May 2003: Jesús Gil Resignation

In May 2003, controversial politician and businessman Jesús Gil resigned as club president. Gil had been running the club since 1987.

July 2003: Chelsea's Offer for Fernando Torres

In July 2003, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich offered £28 million for Fernando Torres, which was rejected by Atlético.

2003: First Titles Since 2003

Atletico's La Liga title win in 2014 was the first titles since 2003–04 not won by Barcelona or Real Madrid.

2003: End of Fourth Coaching Spell

In 2003, Luis Aragonés's fourth coaching spell ended.

2003: Honorary President

In 2003, Prince Felipe, later King Felipe VI, became the honorary president of Atlético Madrid.

2006: Signing of Costinha, Maniche, and Agüero

In 2006, Atlético signed Portuguese midfielders Costinha and Maniche, as well as Argentine forward Sergio Agüero.

July 2007: Torres' Transfer to Liverpool

In July 2007, Fernando Torres left Atlético for Liverpool for €38 million.

July 2007: Agreement to Move to Olympic Stadium

In July 2007, the Atlético board reached an agreement with the City of Madrid to sell the land where their stadium was located and move the club to the City-owned Olympic Stadium.

February 2009: Dismissal of Javier Aguirre

On 3 February 2009, Javier Aguirre was dismissed from his post as manager after a poor start to the season. Abel Resino was appointed as Atlético's new manager.

October 2009: Appointment of Quique Sánchez Flores

In October 2009, Quique Sánchez Flores became the new manager for Atlético Madrid.

2009: Koke joins Atlético Madrid

In 2009, Koke began his Atlético Madrid career, marking the start of his journey with the club where he would play in more than 690 matches.

May 2010: Europa League Win and Copa del Rey Final Loss

In May 2010, Atlético won the Europa League, beating Fulham 2–1 in the final and reached the Copa del Rey finals on 19 May 2010, where they lost 2–0 against Sevilla.

August 2010: UEFA Super Cup Victory

On 27 August 2010, Atlético won the UEFA Super Cup against Inter Milan 2–0.

2010: Disappointing Season and Manager Departure

Atlético had a comparatively disappointing 2010–11 season, finishing only seventh in the League, leading to the departure of manager Sánchez Flores.

2010: UEFA Europa League and Super Cup Wins

In 2010, Atlético Madrid won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.

December 2011: Appointment of Diego Simeone as Manager

On 23 December 2011, Atlético appointed Diego Simeone as manager, replacing Gregorio Manzano.

May 2012: Europa League Win

On 9 May 2012, Simeone led Atlético to their second Europa League win, beating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the final.

August 2012: UEFA Super Cup Win

On 31 August 2012, Atlético won the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea 4–1, including a hat-trick by Falcao.

2012: Another UEFA Europa League and Super Cup Double

In 2012, Atlético Madrid won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup again.

May 2013: Copa del Rey Victory

On 17 May 2013, Atlético beat Real Madrid 2–1 in the Copa del Rey final, ending a 14-year winless streak in the Madrid derby.

May 2014: La Liga Title and Champions League Final

On 17 May 2014, Atlético secured the La Liga title with a 1–1 draw against Barcelona, their first since 1996. One week later, they faced Real Madrid in the Champions League final, losing 4-1 in extra time after a late equalizer.