How many times has Atlético Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup?

Atlético Madrid’s transformation since the arrival of Diego Simeone in December 2011 has been nothing short of incredible. Although they were already the third most successful club in Spain in terms of LaLiga titles, they have reinforced their position as the country’s third force and upset “the big two” of Real Madrid and Barcelona on more than one occasion, which they’ll be hoping to do again in this week’s Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Since the Simeone’s first full season in 2012-13, Atleti have never finished outside of the top three in the league. For perspective, they hadn’t achieved that feat in 14 LaLiga seasons prior to the Argentine taking over, even having a two-year spell in the Spanish second division at the turn of the millennium.

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What have Atlético Madrid won under Diego Simeone?

Simeone’s greatest achievements are, of course, winning two leagues that Los Colchoneros, finances considered, had absolutely no business winning in 2013-14 and 2020-21. Throw in two Europa League victories, two UEFA Super Cup triumphs, and one win apiece in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, and pre-2011 Atlético fans are still pinching themselves. Those Champions League final defeats to Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 will never not hurt, though.

Atleti head into the 2024 Spanish Super Cup having not won a trophy since that 2021 league title, a relative drought in the Simeone era. And while this particular competition is probably not the one they’re really after, any opportunity to get one over on their city rivals - and indeed Barcelona - is one they’re always itching to take.

Atleti upset Barça and Madrid in Spanish Super Cup wins

The “big two” have hoovered up 26 of the 39 previous Spanish Super Cups, with Atlético fifth on the list of honours with two victories, one behind both Athletic Club and Deportivo La Coruña.

Both of their triumphs came in the traditional two-legged format. In 1985, Atleti, as Copa del Rey holders, defeated league champions Barça 3-2 on aggregate having won the first leg 3-1 at the Vicente Calderon.

Their second win came 29 years later in 2014 but was well worth the wait as they overcame bitter foes Real Madrid. Having pipped Los Blancos and Barcelona to the league title three months earlier, Atlético lifted more silverware as they edged out Carlo Ancelotti’s side over two legs.

Raúl García’s late equaliser cancelled out James Rodríguez’s first-leg opener for Madrid at the Bernabéu and the tie was settled by Mario Mandzukic’s second-minute goal in the return match.

Atlético’s record in four-team Spanish Super Cups

Since the switch to the current four-team format, Atleti have featured in two of the four editions of the tournament, losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout to Real Madrid after a goalless draw in the 2019-20 final. They were also involved in 2021-22 but were defeated 2-1 by Athletic Club in the semi-finals.

2024 Spanish Super Cup schedule

Atlético Madrid will take on Real Madrid in this year’s semi-finals on Wednesday (10 January, kick-off at 2:00 p.m. ET), with a potential final against either Barcelona or Osasuna on Sunday (14 January, also 2:00 p.m. ET).