Winning at Real Madrid’s stadium has become an almost impossible challenge for Diego Simeone and his Atlético de Madrid. Since that historic Copa del Rey final in 2013, when the rojiblancos ended a 14-year winless streak against their eternal rival, the Argentine coach has struggled in Madrid’s territory. In 19 visits, he has only managed four victories—and none since 2016.

A Dominance Unbroken Since 2016

Between 2013 and 2016, Atlético de Madrid enjoyed its best period at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing three consecutive wins in LaLiga EA Sports. The 1-0 victory in September 2013, sealed by Diego Costa, the 2-1 triumph in 2014 thanks to Arda Turan, and the most recent one, a 1-0 win in 2016 with a goal from Antoine Griezmann. However, since then, the Colchoneros have failed to claim another league victory at their rival’s stadium.

In their last ten visits, Atlético has recorded five draws and five losses, including painful defeats like the 3-1 extra-time loss in the Copa del Rey in 2023. That day, Álvaro Morata put Atlético ahead, but Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema, and Vinícius Júnior turned the match around.

Tough Draws and Painful Defeats

Although their last two league encounters ended in draws, with late goals from Marcos Llorente and José María Giménez, the overall trend remains unfavorable. Other crucial matches have ended in heavy losses, such as the 3-0 defeat in the Champions League semifinals in 2017, where Cristiano Ronaldo was unstoppable.

Even during the season when Atlético won the league title in 2020-21, they failed to break their curse at the Bernabéu, falling 2-0 in Valdebebas. Since 2016, Simeone’s record at Real Madrid’s stadium is discouraging: four wins, seven draws, and eight losses, with only 14 goals scored and 26 conceded.

Can Simeone Change the Narrative?

With every visit, the challenge for Simeone and his team grows. Atlético de Madrid fans eagerly await the day their team can break the curse and claim another victory at the Bernabéu. However, as long as Real Madrid continues to show strength at home, it seems El Cholo and his squad will keep seeing the stadium as a true nightmare.