Real Madrid took a significant step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a crucial victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid on Tuesday. The win not only gave them a 2-1 aggregate lead in the tie but also marked a historic milestone in the competition’s history.
The first leg was decided by Brahim Díaz’s second-half goal, a performance that improved upon their recent La Liga draw against Atlético. While the second leg at the Metropolitano awaits, Madrid’s advantage puts them in a strong position to advance.
This game was Real Madrid’s 498th in the European Cup and Champions League’s 70-year history (excluding qualifiers), and it marked their 300th win in the competition. This achievement makes them the first team ever to reach 300 victories in the tournament. Of their 498 matches, Madrid have drawn 85 and lost 113.
Madrid’s dominance is unrivaled. The next closest team, Bayern Munich, has 237 wins – a significant gap that underscores Madrid’s historic success.
The club’s incredible record includes a record 15 European Cup and Champions League titles, with eight of those coming in the 21st century alone. Their modern era dominance is particularly noteworthy; between 2010 and 2024, Madrid reached the semi-finals 12 times in 14 seasons, playing a minimum of 12 games each campaign.
While their five consecutive titles in the competition’s early years (1955–1960) required just seven games each, the expanded Champions League format has allowed Madrid to accumulate wins at a remarkable pace.
Madrid’s legacy in European football is unmatched, and their latest victory against Atlético only adds to their storied history as they continue to set new benchmarks in the sport.
