Madrid derby brings back painful memories for Atlético fans

The Metropolitano Stadium is set to host the first big derby of the season as Atlético face Real Madrid on Sunday, September 20. This match brings back painful memories for the home fans from the UEFA Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.

Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" has reported that Atletico fans still carry negative memories regarding these two matches, after Real Madrid denied the team the chance to win their first title in the UEFA Champions League, following the Lisbon final in 2014 and the Milan final in 2016.

According to a study launched by Betfair regarding the feelings of fans of Spanish La Liga clubs, 89% of Atlético fans consider the Lisbon and Milan finals to be the European matches they wish to erase from history.

The Lisbon final was the most impactful, as 63% of Atletico fans selected it when asked about the result they would like to change, compared to 26% who chose the Milan final. Real Madrid clinched the 2014 final with a goal from Sergio Ramos in the 93rd minute, before going on to win the title after a victory in extra time.

Rosiani Sekiria, the head of public relations at Betfair, stated that the study results show the impact of losing the Lisbon final is still felt 12 years later, noting that Atlético's near achievement of their first UEFA Champions League title, followed by a loss in stoppage time, made that defeat even more painful.

The two teams will meet this time without a title at stake, but the clash holds special significance in the battle for control of the Spanish capital in the upcoming period.