Over the course of LaLiga Santander's 91-year history, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have locked horns on no fewer than 168 occasions. For decades, the Madrid derby has represented the crowning moment of a truly unique rivalry and determines whether it's the Colchoneros or Merengues who snare the bragging rights in the Spanish capital. Why not join us as we discover some of the most interesting nuggets about the meetings between Real Madrid and Atletico from down the years?

When was the first Madrid derby played?

Real Madrid and Atletico did battle for the first time in the 1928/29 LaLiga Santander season. That meeting was played on 24 February 1929 and saw the Madridistas run out 2-1 home winners. The Vikingos secured the spoils in the sides' maiden tussle, with Monchin Triana’s brace sealing a comeback win after Atleti's Luis Marin had netted the first-ever Madrid derby goal.

Who has recorded the most wins in the Madrid derby, Real Madrid or Atletico?

Real Madrid hold the upper hand after having emerged victorious 89 times in the 168 Madrid derby clashes, whilst the Rojiblancos have got the better of their eternal enemy on 39 occasions. Meanwhile, the sides have shared the honours in 40 of their LaLiga Santander bouts.

Which player has made the most Madrid derby appearances?

The competition's standout performers have had the honour of strutting their stuff in the iconic Madrid derby for many years now. Madridista legend Paco Gento chalked up the most appearances in the game after having featured on 29 occasions. He is followed in these standings by his teammate, Jose Martinez Pirri, who lined up in the Madrid derby 28 times, whilst Raul Gonzalez, Manolo Sanchis and Carlos Santillana amassed 27 appearances apiece. These legendary figures are all very much part of Real Madrid folklore.

On the other side of the city divide, Adelardo Rodriguez's 27 appearances make him Atletico’s leading derby appearance maker. Meanwhile, in terms of the current crop of players in both camps, Karim Benzema has played his part in 23 derby matches and Atleti skipper Koke has been involved in the fixture on 17 occasions.

Who is the Madrid derby's top goalscorer?

Another fact that's well worth knowing when it comes to the showdown between Real Madrid and Atletico is that the leading three goalscorers in the Madrid derby all represented the Blancos. The all-time top marksmen in the history of the fixture are Alfredo Di Stefano and Carlos Santillana, who notched 13 goals apiece, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo found the net 12 times against Atletico in LaLiga Santander encounters. The leading lights for Atleti in the goal stakes are Paco Campos and Adrian Escudero, who both bagged nine goals in the Madrid grudge match.

Goals are the name of the game in football and the highest-scoring Madrid derby was the 1950/51 match-up, when Atletico put their city foes to the sword in a 6-3 success at the Estadio de Chamartin. However, the Rojiblancos' biggest win came in the 1947/48 season, when Real Madrid were swept aside in a 5-0 triumph. The Merengues exacted their revenge decades later when they won by the very same scoreline in the fixture played on 30 October 1981.

The Madrid derby is an iconic match that divides the city’s population for 90 minutes as fans proudly display their allegiance to the team they've supported since they were knee high. It is, without doubt, one of the most pulsating derby clashes in the Spanish top flight and it's one you certainly can't afford to miss!

 

Indios & Vikingos go head-to-head in Madrid derby

During the course of their histories, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been known by a number of different monikers. Have you ever wondered exactly where these nicknames come from? Read on and allow us to put your curiosity to rest once and for all

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid contest one of the fiercest rivalries in LaLiga Santander. The city enemies have faced off 168 times in Madrid derby league encounters. A long list of players have first-hand experience of the immense passion that permeates every last corner of the Spanish capital before, during and after the 90 minutes of on-field action.

Fans of the two legendary clubs have referred to their beloved teams in various different ways throughout their history as LaLiga sides. Although the best-known nicknames would surely have to be Merengues and Colchoneros, we take a look at other nicknames that are part of the clubs' identities.