For the red-and-white half of Madrid, the pursuit of silverware is a journey defined by grit, heart, and relentless passion.
Atlético Madrid remains one of the most formidable forces in Spanish football, frequently challenging the traditional dominance of the “Big Two.”
Fans often look back at their tournament history to gauge when the next trophy might arrive at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Understanding the club’s recent history in the Spanish Super Cup provides a clear picture of their standing in elite competition.
Let’s dive into the details of their last major appearance in this prestigious final.
The 2020 Showdown: A Derby in the Desert
The last time Atlético Madrid reached the final of the Spanish Super Cup was on January 12, 2020.
This historic edition was the first to feature the new “Final Four” format and took place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
After a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Barcelona in the semi-finals, Atleti set up a massive Madrid Derby in the final.
The match itself was a tactical chess match that remained goalless through 120 minutes of intense action.
Despite several clear chances for both sides, the Spanish Super Cup was eventually decided by a tense penalty shootout.
Unfortunately for Los Colchoneros, they fell 4-1 on penalties, with Real Madrid lifting the trophy.
Iconic Moments and the Valverde Red Card
One cannot discuss the 2020 Spanish Super Cup final without mentioning the infamous professional foul by Federico Valverde.
In the dying minutes of extra time, Atleti striker Álvaro Morata was clean through on goal before being brought down from behind.
This moment remains one of the most debated incidents in recent football history.
- Tactical Sacrifice: Valverde’s red card arguably saved the game for Real Madrid.
- Penalty Heartbreak: Missing early spot-kicks cost Atlético the title.
- Defensive Masterclass: Jan Oblak’s heroics kept Atleti in the game until the very end.
Atleti’s Record in the Modern Era
Since that night in Jeddah, the club has remained a consistent participant in the tournament but has struggled to return to the final stage.
In the 2024 edition, they were part of a classic 5-3 semi-final thriller but narrowly missed out on the chance to compete for the Spanish Super Cup title.
The club currently holds two titles in this competition, won in 1985 and 2014.
As Diego Simeone continues to evolve his squad, the goal remains clear: return to the Spanish Super Cup final and bring the trophy back to the capital.
Their history suggests that it is only a matter of time before they are lifting silverware once again.
Do you think Atlético Madrid has what it takes to win the Spanish Super Cup in 2026, or is the gap between them and the top two still too wide?
