Benfica and Atlético Madrid: A long-lasting Rivalry and Success in the Football era
Football is filled with iconic teams and historic rivalries, and Benfica and Atlético Madrid are two such giants that have left an indelible mark on European football. While these two clubs often cross paths in major European competitions, both have their own legacies that stretch back decades.
Let’s dig deep into the achievements of these two legendary clubs, covering Atlético Madrid’s history in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), their domestic success, and their nicknames, as well as Benfica’s own Champions League glory.
Have Atlético Madrid Ever Won the UCL?
Atlético Madrid is a club that has long been one of Europe’s strongest teams, but their relationship with the UEFA Champions League has been bittersweet. Despite reaching the final three times, Atlético Madrid has never won the UCL.
Their closest encounters with European glory came in 1974, 2014, and 2016. In 1974, Atlético came agonizingly close to winning, only to lose in a replay to Bayern Munich. Fast forward to the 2014 final in Lisbon, and Atlético was leading against their city rivals, Real Madrid, until a last-minute equalizer forced extra time, leading to a 4-1 defeat. Two years later, in 2016, they faced Real Madrid again but lost in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Though the UCL trophy has eluded them, Atlético Madrid’s performances have firmly cemented their place among Europe’s elite, with fans still dreaming of one day lifting the prestigious cup.
Has Benfica Won the Champions League?
Benfica, the Portuguese football giant, boasts a rich history in the Champions League. Unlike Atlético, Benfica has not only reached the final but has also won the competition twice. Benfica’s European triumphs came in the early 1960s, during the club’s golden era.
The Lisbon-based team won their first European Cup (the precursor to the Champions League) in 1961, defeating Barcelona 3-2 in the final. The following year, Benfica defended their title, defeating the mighty Real Madrid 5-3 in a thrilling final in 1962. These back-to-back victories placed Benfica on the footballing map as one of Europe’s finest clubs.
Despite these early successes, Benfica has since experienced a long and painful drought in European competition, reaching five more finals but failing to win any. This run has fueled the superstition of the “Bela Guttmann Curse,” named after the coach who led Benfica to their first two European Cup victories but allegedly cursed the club after a contract dispute.
What Year Did Atlético Madrid Win La Liga?
In contrast to their heartbreak in Europe, Atlético Madrid has found significant success in Spain’s domestic league, La Liga. They have won the La Liga title on 11 occasions, most recently in the 2020-2021 season.
Atlético’s La Liga victories span several decades, with their first triumph coming in the 1939-1940 season. They were particularly strong in the 1940s, winning multiple league titles. In modern times, under the leadership of manager Diego Simeone, Atlético won the league in 2013-2014 and again in 2020-2021, disrupting the traditional dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spanish football.
What Is the Short Name for Atlético Madrid?
Atlético Madrid is commonly referred to by a few shorter names. The most popular short name is simply “Atlético.” Fans and pundits alike often use this abbreviation, especially in Spain. Additionally, the team is affectionately called “Atleti” by their supporters, which is a colloquial term that captures the spirit of the club and its passionate fanbase.
In some international contexts, the club is also referred to as “ATM,” an abbreviation of Atlético Madrid, but this usage is less common among die-hard fans.
Conclusion
Both Benfica and Atlético Madrid are historic clubs with legacies shaped by successes and near-misses in Europe and domestic leagues. While Atlético Madrid continues to chase the elusive UCL title, Benfica can proudly look back on their European glory days. On the domestic front, Atlético has consistently been a force in La Liga, showcasing their strength and resilience.
Their ongoing battles in European competitions continue to excite football fans around the world, with both teams representing the passion and drama that makes football the most beloved sport on the planet.
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