The clash between Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club is more than just a battle between two top sides in LALIGA EA SPORTS—it's a deeply rooted rivalry shaped by shared history, culture, and identity. While both teams wear red and white and have similar names, their bond goes far beyond aesthetics.
A Shared Origin
The connection dates back to 1903 when Basque students living in Madrid founded Athletic Club de Madrid as an extension of Athletic Club de Bilbao. Originally wearing blue and white chequered kits, both clubs adopted red and white stripes in 1911—thanks to a shipment of Southampton shirts.
In the early years, the two clubs had such close ties they were barred from facing each other in official competitions. Even players were shared; in 1911, Atlético's striker Manuel Garnica Serrano played and scored for Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.
Growing Apart in Competition
As Spanish football professionalized, the bond faded. In 1921, Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid marked a turning point when the Basques defeated their Madrid counterparts 4-1 in the Copa del Rey final. By 1928/29, both clubs were founding members of LALIGA. Their first top-tier encounter occurred on April 7, 1929, where Bilbao claimed a 3-2 victory in Madrid.
Over the decades, Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club standings have frequently shifted, but matches have always remained competitive. Highlights include the unforgettable 6-6 draw in 1950 and Athletic’s legendary 4-1 win with ten men in 1982—a key result en route to their league title.
In 2014, a 2-1 away win for Atlético at San Mamés became the match Diego Simeone credits with sparking his side's title-winning momentum.
Clashes in Other Competitions
The rivalry extended into other tournaments as well. In the 1956 Copa del Rey final, Athletic edged Atlético 2-1 in Madrid. In European competition, the atlético madrid vs athletic club showdown in the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League final saw Atlético emerge dominant with a 3-0 win in Bucharest.
Shared Figures and Legacy
Despite the rivalry, ties remain strong. José María Amorrortu, a former Athletic sporting director, once led Atlético’s youth academy. He helped develop talents like Koke, Iñaki Williams, and Iker Muniain.
One of the most symbolic players to bridge both clubs is Raúl García. He made 216 LALIGA appearances for Atlético (2007–2015) and over 290 for Athletic (2015–2024), scoring in this historic fixture for both sides.
Looking Ahead: Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club Lineups and Match Info
The next chapter of this storied rivalry unfolds on Saturday at 21:00 CET, as Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid take on Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club. While Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club lineups and tactics will be analyzed closely, emotional ties will take a backseat once the whistle blows—with three vital points up for grabs in the Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club standings.
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