Have Atletico Madrid ever won the UEFA Champions League? History, record of Spanish side in UCL

Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of a maiden UEFA Champions League crown remains unfulfilled after another dramatic elimination at the hands of neighbours Real Madrid, this time in the 2024/25 edition. A 2-2 aggregate deadlock was settled by a contentious penalty shoot-out that sent the holders through to the quarter-finals and prolonged Atleti’s wait for European football’s greatest prize.

The latest exit adds to a catalogue of near-misses for Diego Simeone’s side, who have become familiar faces in the latter stages of the competition without ever lifting the trophy. Despite twice reaching the final, the club from the Spanish capital has yet to engrave its name on the famous silverware.

Atletico’s first Champions League final appearance came in 2013/14, when they faced Real Madrid in Lisbon. Diego Godín’s first-half header gave Los Rojiblancos hope of a historic triumph, yet Sergio Ramos’ stoppage-time equaliser forced extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo each found the net as Madrid surged to a 4-1 victory, sealing the club’s long-cherished 10th European Cup—La Décima.

Two seasons later the clubs met again for the 2015/16 decider at Milan’s San Siro. Ramos struck early once more, and although Antoine Griezmann spurned a chance to level from the spot, substitute Yannick Carrasco’s late goal sent the match to penalties. Juanfran’s miss allowed Ronaldo to convert the decisive kick, handing Madrid an 11th title and Atletico a second dose of final heartbreak.

First contested in 1955-56 as the European Cup and rebranded the UEFA Champions League in 1992-93, the tournament has eluded Atletico despite their consistent presence among Europe’s elite. With Barcelona awaiting in this season’s quarter-finals, the club will hope to channel past resilience and finally bridge the gap to continental glory.