A Madrid derby guarantees drama and tension no matter the stakes or the scoreline.
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have a deep-rooted rivalry that comes to a head at least twice every season. The clubs often meet in more than just their two La Liga fixtures, though, leaving ample opportunities for harsh tackles, red cards and borderline verbal and physical brawls to grab all the headlines.
The first Madrid derby of the 2025–26 campaign unfolds on Saturday, Sept. 27, in what will be the 241st clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Beyond goals and conflicting tactics, the match promises to add more tense moments to the rivalry’s evolving and complicated history.
Let’s look back at the five most heated moments in Madrid derby history.






