Atlético up for a Real fight

For the first time in 13 years, we have a Madrid derby that really counts

Every Atlético Madrid supporter knows the date. October 30, 1999, when a Colchoneros side including José Chamot, Rubén Baraja and Radek Bejbl won 3-1 at city rival Real Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabéu thanks to two goals from former Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. That night could have been even better for Atlético, if not for some fine late saves from Madrid’s teenage substitute goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, which kept the scoreline at least respectable.

The date sticks in Atlético fans’ heads because they have not beaten their swankier neighbours since. Casillas, now 31, has played 23 more derbies without tasting defeat, with Madrid often having to do little more than wait for Atlético to self-destruct. Last year, at the Bernabéu, Madrid’s fans held up ironic banners saying “Proper rival wanted for a worthy derby”. And few on either side were surprised when, despite going 1-0 ahead early through Adrián López, Atlético crumbled to a 1-4 defeat in one of then coach Gregorio Manzano’s final games in charge.