How many times did Atletico Madrid win the Champions League?

Since Diego Simeone took the reins at the Vicente Calderon (and later the Wanda Metropolitano) in 2011, no club in Spain or across Europe has relished the prospect of facing Atletico’s "dark arts." Under the Argentine strategist's fierce leadership and with significant backing from the club's owners, Los Rojiblancos have undergone a total transformation. They boldly crashed the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid, becoming a legitimate powerhouse in La Liga. 

While they have become a "bogeyman" domestically, many fans wonder if they have managed to translate that grit into continental glory. Specifically, people ask: How many times did Atletico Madrid win the Champions League, the most prestigious trophy in club football? Together with Goaloomobi, let’s dive into the details.

How many times did Atletico Madrid win the Champions League?

Despite their reputation as a European giant, the official answer is zero. Since their founding in 1903, Atletico has participated in the European Cup/Champions League for 19 seasons. While they have never lifted the trophy, their history is defined by 3 heartbreaking appearances in the final (1974, 2014, and 2016).

In the 2013/14 season, Atletico Madrid reached the final after a dominant run, knocking out AC Milan in the round of 16 (5-1 on aggregate), Barcelona in the Quarterfinals (2-1), and Chelsea in the Semifinals (3-1). Facing Real Madrid in Lisbon, Diego Godin put Atleti ahead with a header. They held that lead until the 93rd minute when Sergio Ramos scored a legendary equalizer. Crushed mentally, Atletico conceded three more in extra time to Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo, losing 4-1.

In the 2015/16 season, they returned to the final after eliminating PSV, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. In the Milan final against Real Madrid again, Ramos opened the scoring, but Yannick Carrasco equalized late in the second half. After a tense extra time, the match went to penalties. Juanfran hit the post, and Ronaldo scored the winning penalty, leaving Atletico as runners-up once more.

Earlier, in 1974, they reached their first final against Bayern Munich. After a 1-1 draw in the first game (with Luis Aragones scoring), they lost the replay 4-0. Known for their "Cholismo" style, a mix of defensive solidity, high-intensity pressing, and tactical discipline, those Simeone-era teams featured stars like Griezmann, Koke, Godin, and Diego Costa.

In the last 5 seasons, Atletico’s best result was reaching the quarterfinals in 2019/20 (lost 2-1 to RB Leipzig) and 2021/22 (lost 1-0 on aggregate to Manchester City). Their worst recent performance was the 2022/23 season, where they finished bottom of their group. In the current 2025/26 season, Los Rojiblancos are showing renewed strength, having already reached the Round of 16 and securing a commanding 5-2 first-leg lead over Tottenham.

Summary of Atletico Madrid’s best Champions League achievements:

Finalists: 1973/74, 2013/14, 2015/16.

Semifinalists: 1958/59, 1970/71, 2016/17.

Total Appearances: 19 seasons.

Atletico Madrid’s success in other European competitions

While the Champions League remains elusive, Atletico Madrid has been incredibly successful in other European tournaments. They have won the UEFA Europa League 3 times (2010, 2012, 2018). In 2010, they defeated Fulham 2-1 with a brace from Diego Forlan. In 2012, they crushed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 thanks to Radamel Falcao. In 2018, Griezmann scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Marseille.

Additionally, Atletico has won the UEFA Super Cup 3 times (2010, 2012, 2018), notably beating Real Madrid 4-2 in 2018 with goals from Costa, Saul, and Koke. They also won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962 by defeating Fiorentina 3-0 in a replay. Atletico holds a unique record as the only team to win the Intercontinental Cup (1974) without having won the European Cup first.

List of Atletico Madrid’s European honors:

UEFA Europa League: 3 titles (2009/10, 2011/12, 2017/18).

UEFA Super Cup: 3 titles (2010, 2012, 2018).

European Cup Winners' Cup: 1 title (1961/62).

Intercontinental Cup: 1 title (1974).

In conclusion, Goaloomobi.net has provided the answer to how many times did Atletico Madrid win the Champions League. Although the club has come agonizingly close to the "Big Ears" trophy, a lack of luck and composure in decisive moments means their history in the tournament remains unfinished.

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