Editing Real Madrid CF (section)

==Rivalries==
===El Clásico===
{{main|El Clásico}}
[[File:Control de Sergio (5628131065).jpg|thumb|right|Scene from a 2011 ''[[El Clásico]]'' at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]]
There is often a fierce rivalry between the two strongest teams in a national league, and this is particularly the case in La Liga, where the game between Real Madrid and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] is known as "The Classic" (''El Clásico''). From the start of national competitions the clubs were seen as representatives of two rival regions in Spain: [[Castile (historical region)|Castile]] and [[Catalonia]], as well as of the two cities. The rivalry reflects what many regard as the political and cultural tensions felt between the [[Castilians]] and [[Catalan people|Catalans]], seen by one author as a re-enactment of the [[Spanish Civil War]].<ref>Ghemawat, Pankaj. p. 2.</ref> Over the years, the record for Real Madrid and Barcelona is 105 victories for Madrid, 101 victories for Barcelona, and 52 draws as of December 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barça and Real Madrid: El Clásico |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/el-clasico |website=FC Barcelona |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Real Madrid - Barça (3495454182).jpg|thumb|left|Real Madrid fans displaying the white of their club before ''El Clásico''. Real Madrid fans also often wave [[Flag of Spain|Spanish flags]] at ''El Clásico'' games.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Richard |title=El Clasico: Barcelona v Real Madrid: Football's Greatest Rivalry |date=2012 |publisher=Bloomsbury |page=146}}</ref>]]
As early as the 1930s, Barcelona "had developed a reputation as a symbol of Catalan identity, opposed to the centralising tendencies of Madrid".<ref name="josepsunyol">Burns, Jimmy, 'Don Patricio O'Connell: An Irishman and the Politics of Spanish Football' in "{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110726185724/http://www.irishargentine.org/0803.pdf Irish Migration Studies in Latin America]}}" 6:1 (March 2008), p. 44. Available online [http://www.irlandeses.org/0803burns3.htm pg. 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718143546/http://www.irlandeses.org/0803burns3.htm |date=18 July 2010 }},[http://www.irlandeses.org/0803burns4.htm pg. 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718143516/http://www.irlandeses.org/0803burns4.htm |date=18 July 2010 }}. Retrieved 29 August 2010.</ref><ref>Ham, Anthony p. 221</ref> During the dictatorships of [[Miguel Primo de Rivera]] and especially [[Francisco Franco]], all regional languages and identities in Spain were frowned upon and restrained. As such, most citizens of Barcelona were in strong opposition to [[Francoist Spain|Franco's regime]]. In that period, Barcelona gained their motto ''Més que un club'' (''English: More than a club'') because of its alleged connection to [[Catalan nationalism|Catalan nationalist]] as well as to [[progressivism|progressive]] beliefs.<ref>Ball, Phil p. 88</ref>

There is an ongoing controversy as to what extent Franco's rule (1939–75) influenced the activities and on-pitch results of both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Fans of both clubs tend to exaggerate the myths favouring their narratives. Most historians agree that Franco did not have a preferred football team, but his Spanish nationalist beliefs led him to associate himself with the establishment teams, such as [[Atlético Madrid|Atlético Aviación]] and Madrid FC (that recovered its "royal" name after the fall of the Republic and again became Real Madrid). On the other hand, he also wanted the renamed Barcelona succeed as "Spanish team", rather than a Catalan one. During the early years of Franco's rule, Real Madrid were not particularly successful, winning two [[Copa del Rey|Copa del Generalísimo]] titles and a [[Copa Eva Duarte]]; Barcelona claimed three [[List of Spanish football champions|league titles]], one Copa del Generalísimo and one Copa Eva Duarte. During that period, Atlético Aviación were believed to be the preferred team over Real Madrid. The most contested stories of the period include Real Madrid's [[#Early years (1902–1943)|11–1 home win against Barcelona]] in the [[1943 Copa del Generalísimo|Copa del Generalísimo]], where the Catalan team alleged intimidation, and the controversial transfer of [[Alfredo Di Stéfano]] to Real Madrid, despite his agreement with Barcelona. The latter transfer was part of Real Madrid chairman [[Santiago Bernabéu (footballer)|Santiago Bernabéu]]'s "revolution" that ushered in the era of unprecedented dominance. Bernabéu, himself a veteran of the Civil War who fought for [[Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War)|Franco's forces]], saw Real Madrid on top, not only of Spanish, but also European football, helping create the [[UEFA Champions League|European Cup]], the first true competition for Europe's best club sides. His vision was fulfilled when Real Madrid not only started winning consecutive league titles, but also swept the first five editions of the European Cup in the 1950s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/about-real-madrid/history/presidents/santiago-bernabeu|title=SANTIAGO BERNABÉU 1943·1978|work=Real Madrid C.F.|publisher=realmadrid.com|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=16 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816230029/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/about-real-madrid/history/presidents/santiago-bernabeu|url-status=live}}</ref> These events had a profound impact on Spanish football and influenced Franco's attitude. According to historians, during this time he realized the importance of Real Madrid for his regime's international image, and the club became his preferred team until his death. [[Fernando Maria Castiella]], who served as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Spain)|minister of foreign affairs]] under Franco from 1957 until 1969, noted that "[Real Madrid] is the best embassy we have ever had". Franco died in 1975, and the [[Spanish transition to democracy]] soon followed. Under his rule, [[List of Real Madrid CF records and statistics#Honours|Real Madrid had won]] 14 league titles, six Copa del Generalísimo titles, one Copa Eva Duarte, six European Cups, two [[Latin Cup]]s and one [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]. In the same period, [[List of FC Barcelona records and statistics#Honours|Barcelona had won]] eight league titles, nine Copa del Generalísimo titles, three Copa Eva Duarte titles, three [[Inter-Cities Fairs Cup]]s and two Latin Cups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2017/09/27/real-madrid-and-the-franco-regime/|title=THE STORY OF REAL MADRID AND THE FRANCO REGIME|work=Nick Fitzgerald|date=27 September 2017|publisher=thesefootballtimes.co|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701193952/https://thesefootballtimes.co/2017/09/27/real-madrid-and-the-franco-regime/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="goal.com"/>

The rivalry was intensified during the 1950s when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stéfano. Di Stéfano had impressed both Barcelona and Real Madrid while playing for [[Club Deportivo Los Millonarios|Los Millonarios]] in [[Bogotá]], [[Colombia]], during a players' strike in his native [[Argentina]]. Soon after Millonarios' return to Colombia, Barcelona directors visited Buenos Aires and agreed with River Plate, the last FIFA-affiliated team to have held Di Stéfano's rights, for his transfer in 1954 for the equivalent of 150 million Italian lira (according to other sources 200,000 dollars). This started a battle between the two Spanish rivals for his rights. FIFA appointed Armando Muñoz Calero, former president of the Spanish Football Federation as mediator. Calero decided to let Di Stéfano play the 1953–54 and 1955–56 seasons in Madrid, and the 1954–55 and 1956–57 seasons in Barcelona. The agreement was approved by the Football Association and their respective clubs. Although the Catalans agreed, the decision created various discontent among the Blaugrana members and the president was forced to resign in September 1953. Barcelona sold Madrid their half-share, and Di Stéfano moved to ''Los Blancos'', signing a four-year contract. Real paid 5.5 million Spanish pesetas for the transfer, plus a 1.3 million bonus for the purchase, an annual fee to be paid to the Millonarios, and a 16,000 salary for Di Stéfano with a bonus double that of his teammates, for a total of 40% of the annual revenue of the Madrid club.<ref name="di Stefano">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28204560 |title=BBC SPORT &#124; Football &#124; Alfredo Di Stefano: Did General Franco halt Barcelona transfer? |work=BBC News |date=7 July 2014 |access-date=2 December 2014 |archive-date=8 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208154241/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/28204560 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Di Stéfano became integral in the subsequent success achieved by Real Madrid, scoring twice in his first game against Barcelona. With him, Madrid won the first five editions of the European Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alfredo di Stéfano was one of football's greatest trailblazers|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jul/07/alfredo-di-stefano-real-madrid|access-date=12 October 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|date=7 July 2014|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725025210/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jul/07/alfredo-di-stefano-real-madrid|url-status=live}}</ref> The 1960s saw the rivalry reach the European stage when Real Madrid and Barcelona met twice in the European Cup, with Madrid triumphing en route to their fifth consecutive title in [[1959–60 European Cup|1959–60]] and Barcelona prevailing en route to losing the final in [[1960–61 European Cup|1960–61]]. Ahead of the 1973–74 season, [[Johan Cruyff]] arrived to Barcelona for a world record £920,000 from [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]].<ref>MacWilliam, Rab; MacDonald, Tom. p. 180</ref> Already an established player with Ajax, Cruyff quickly won over the Barcelona fans when he told the European press that he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid because he could not play for a club associated with Francisco Franco. He further endeared himself when he named his son [[Jordi Cruyff|"Jordi"]], after the local Catalan [[Saint George]].<ref>Ball, Phil. pp. 83–85</ref> In 2002, the [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#Semi-finals|European encounter]] between the clubs was dubbed the "Match of The Century" by Spanish media, and Madrid's win was watched by more than 500 million people around the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7773773.stm |title=Real win Champions League showdown |work=BBC News |date=11 December 2008 |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-date=31 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731062536/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7773773.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> A fixture known for its intensity and indiscipline, it has also featured [[Goal celebration|memorable goal celebrations]] from both teams, often involving mocking the opposition.<ref name="Marca"/> In October 1999, Real Madrid forward [[Raúl (footballer)|Raúl]] silenced 100,000 Barcelona fans at the Camp Nou when he scored before he celebrated by putting a finger to his lips as if telling the crowd to be quiet.<ref name="Marca">{{cite news |title=Real Madrid-Barcelona: Celebrations in enemy territory |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/04/24/58fe5ed8ca47413f548b461c.html |access-date=9 October 2018 |work=Marca |archive-date=10 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011212/http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/04/24/58fe5ed8ca47413f548b461c.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=When Raul ended Madrid's humiliation, silenced Nou Camp |url=http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/8/39224/When-Raul-ended-Madrid%27s-humiliation-silenced-Nou-Camp |access-date=9 October 2018 |work=Egypt Today |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021111318/https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/8/39224/When-Raul-ended-Madrid%E2%80%99s-humiliation-silenced-Nou-Camp |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, Barcelona captain [[Carles Puyol]] kissed his Catalan armband in front of Madrid fans at the Bernabéu.<ref name="Marca"/> Cristiano Ronaldo twice gestured to the hostile crowd to "calm down" after scoring against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in 2012 and 2016.<ref name="Marca"/> In April 2017, Messi celebrated his 93rd-minute winner for Barcelona against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu by taking off his Barcelona shirt and holding it up to incensed Real Madrid fans – with his name and number facing them.<ref name="Marca"/> Later that year, in August, Ronaldo was subbed on in the first leg of the [[2017 Supercopa de España|Supercopa de España]], proceeded to score in the 80th minute and took his shirt off before holding it up to Barça's fans with his name and number facing them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cristiano Ronaldo scores and is sent off in win over Barcelona|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/13/barcelona-real-madrid-spanish-super-cup-match-report|agency=[[Reuters]]|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 August 2017|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=27 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327010728/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/13/barcelona-real-madrid-spanish-super-cup-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref>

===El Derbi madrileño===
{{main|Madrid derby}}
[[File:Bernabeu en un Madrid-Atleti.JPG|thumb|left|Real Madrid supporters during the 2006 ''El Derbi madrileño'' match held at the Santiago Bernabéu]]
The club's nearest neighbour is [[Atlético Madrid]], a rivalry being shared between fans of both football teams. Although Atlético was founded by three [[Basque people|Basque]] students in 1903, it was joined in 1904 by dissident members of "Madrid FC". The two teams met for the first time on 2 December 1906 in the [[Campeonato Regional Centro#1906–07|regional championship]], with Real Madrid winning 2–1. Their first league meeting came on 21 February 1929 in matchday three of the first [[1929 La Liga|league championship]] at the former [[Estadio Chamartín|Chamartín]]. It was the first official derby of the new tournament, and Real won 2–1.<ref name="Real Madrid turns 106 (III)"/> After the Civil War, during the early [[Francoist Spain|Francoist period]], Atlético became associated with the [[Spanish Air Force|military air force]] (and thus renamed Atlético Aviación), although the alleged preference of the regime for the club is subject to discussion. In any case, during this period Atlético became the most successful club in Spain, reducing the historical gap between the two clubs, until the regime preference shifted towards Real Madrid in the 1950s, as Franco sought to make political capital out of Real Madrid's multiple [[UEFA Champions League|European Cup]] titles at a time when Spain was internationally isolated; one minister said, "Real Madrid are the best ambassadors we've ever had."<ref name="goal.com"/> Thus, Atlético fans regularly chanted that Real were ''"El equipo del gobierno, la vergüenza del país"'' – "The team of the government, the shame of the country" – and allegedly adopted a more [[left-wing politics|left-wing slant]] (tempered by the rise of [[ultras]] culture and [[Rayo Vallecano]]'s presence as the "true" leftist club in Madrid).<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-everything-you-know-about-madrid-derby-might-be-wrong|title = Why everything you know about the Madrid derby might be wrong|date = 7 January 2015|access-date = 14 February 2015|website = FourFourTwo|last = Ballout|first = Richard|archive-date = 13 February 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150213232812/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-everything-you-know-about-madrid-derby-might-be-wrong|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name=struggle>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/franco-real-madrid-and-spanish-football-s-eternal-power-struggle-1-2564913|title = Franco, Real Madrid and Spanish football's eternal power struggle|date = 7 October 2012|access-date = 14 February 2015|website = The Scotsman|last = FITZPATRICK|first = Richard|archive-date = 19 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151019014410/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/franco-real-madrid-and-spanish-football-s-eternal-power-struggle-1-2564913|url-status = live}}</ref>

The rivalry first gained international attention in 1959 during the [[1958–59 European Cup|European Cup]] when the two clubs met in the semi-finals. Real won the first leg 2–1 at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Santiago Bernabéu]], while Atlético won 1–0 at the [[Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid|Metropolitano]]. The tie went to a replay, which Real won 2–1. Atlético, however, gained some revenge when, led by former Real Madrid coach [[José Villalonga Llorente|José Villalonga]], it defeated its city rivals in two successive [[Copa del Rey|Copa del Generalísimo]] finals in [[1960 Copa del Generalísimo Final|1960]] and [[1961 Copa del Generalísimo Final|1961]].<ref>Real have won El Derbi madrileño 75 times.</ref> In the 1970s, Atlético again took the lead as the most successful Spanish club of the decade, which prompted the Real Madrid fanbase to look down on Atlético calling them and their supporters "Indios" ([[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indians]], a reference to the [[Latin America]]n players signed by the Red-and-whites).<ref>[https://www.laliga.es/noticias/por-que-a-los-jugadores-del-atletico-se-les-llama-colchoneros ¿Por qué a los jugadores del Atlético se les llama 'colchoneros'?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630151103/https://www.laliga.es/noticias/por-que-a-los-jugadores-del-atletico-se-les-llama-colchoneros |date=30 June 2019 }} (Why are Atlético players called 'colchoneros'?), [[La Liga]]</ref> By then, Real Madrid did not want to sign non-[[Caucasian race|Caucasian]] players (president [[Santiago Bernabéu (footballer)|Santiago Bernabéu]] even stated, when he decided not to sign Portuguese star [[Eusebio]] at the end of the 1960s, ''"Mientras yo viva, aquí no jugará ningún negro ni un blanco con bigote"'' ("As long as I live, no black or white with a mustache will play here").<ref>[https://www.larazon.es/opinion/columnistas/el-bernabeu-EB2524006 El Bernabéu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701204130/https://www.larazon.es/opinion/columnistas/el-bernabeu-EB2524006/ |date=1 July 2022 }}, [[La Razón (Madrid)|La Razón]]</ref> Atlético's supporters accepted the new "Indian" nickname joyfully and have been using it until today. The Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid's stadium, is alongside banks and businesses on the [[bourgeoisie|upper class]] [[Paseo de la Castellana]] street, while the [[Vicente Calderón Stadium|Vicente Calderón]] (the stadium that Atlético Madrid used until the [[2016–17 Atlético Madrid season|2016–17 season]]) could be found near a brewery, alongside the [[Manzanares (river)|Manzanares River]] and a motorway. Real draw greater support all across the region because of their historically greater resources and success, while Atlético have a relatively [[working class]] fan base mainly from the south of the city, with some fans also scattered throughout the city.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130318104748/https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/rivalries/newsid=1034928/index.html Rivalries: No love lost in Madrid], [[FIFA]] (archive version), 2009</ref><ref>[https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/more-game-atletico-madrid-vs-real-madrid#:hX-7wsdJ8_JIKA More Than A Game: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903094822/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/more-game-atletico-madrid-vs-real-madrid#:hX-7wsdJ8_JIKA |date=3 September 2021 }}, [[FourFourTwo]], 2006</ref> In fact, the Atlético crest includes the [[Coat of arms of Madrid]], whereas Real crest has no such a reference to the city (instead, it includes a reference to the broader [[Castile (historical region)|Castile region]]).

Between 1961 and 1989, when Real dominated La Liga, only Atlético offered it any serious challenge, winning league titles in 1966, 1970, 1973 and 1977. In 1965, Atlético became the first team to beat Real at the Bernabéu in eight years. Real Madrid's record against Atlético in more recent times has been favourable.<ref>{{cite web | title = H2H statistics | url = http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/match/index.html?event=28;opposition=381;team=394 | publisher = espn.co.uk | date = 17 January 2008 | access-date = 12 July 2008 | author = Álvaro Velasco | archive-date = 3 January 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150103042711/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/match/index.html?event=28;opposition=381;team=394 | url-status = live }}</ref> A high point came in the [[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03 season]], when Real clinched the La Liga title after a 4–0 victory at the Vicente Calderón. Atlético's first win over its city rivals since 1999 came in the [[2013 Copa del Rey Final|Copa del Rey final]] in May 2013. In [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|2013–14]], Real and Atlético were finalists of the UEFA Champions League, the first final which hosted two clubs from the same city. Real Madrid triumphed with a [[2014 UEFA Champions League Final|4–1]] comeback victory in extra time.<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Prince-Wright|title=Real Madrid win Champions League, seal tenth title after dramatic comeback|date=24 May 2014|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/24/real-madrid-are-european-champions-seal-tenth-title-after-dramatic-comeback/|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=24 May 2014|archive-date=24 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524214728/http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/24/real-madrid-are-european-champions-seal-tenth-title-after-dramatic-comeback/|url-status=live}}</ref> On [[2014–15 La Liga|7 February 2015]], Real suffered their first defeat in 14 years at the Vicente Calderón, a 4–0 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/atletico-madrid-real-madrid-la-liga-match-report|title=Atlético Madrid overwhelm Real to show they will battle to keep title|author=Sid Lowe|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=7 February 2015|access-date=20 November 2019|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806145355/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/atletico-madrid-real-madrid-la-liga-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref> On [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|28 May 2016]], Real and Atlético again met for the [[2016 UEFA Champions League Final|Champions League title]], which resulted in a win for Real after a penalty shootout at [[San Siro]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Tales|last=Azzoni|title=Madrid Rivals Return to Champions League Final|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/madrid-rivals-return-champions-league-final-141524812--sow.html|publisher=AP|access-date=5 May 2016|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035156/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/madrid-rivals-return-champions-league-final-141524812--sow.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===El Viejo Clásico===
{{main|El Viejo Clásico}}
[[File:Guti (4591568690).jpg|thumb|right|210px|Real Madrid's [[Guti (Spanish footballer)|Guti]] (left) and Athletic Bilbao's [[Javi Martínez]] (centre) and [[Fernando Amorebieta|Amorebieta]] (right) during a match at the Bernabéu, 2010]]
A further minor rivalry exists between Real Madrid and [[Athletic Bilbao]]. This is known as [[El Viejo Clásico]] (''the old classic''),<ref name=RTVE>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20130414/viejo-clasico-espanol-athletic-madrid-se-despide-san-mames/639163.shtml|publisher=[[RTVE]]|date=14 April 2013|access-date=16 November 2017|title=El viejo Clásico español, Athletic–Madrid, se despide de San Mamés|trans-title=The 'old classic' of Spain, Athletic–Madrid, says goodbye to San Mamés|language=es|archive-date=6 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706155652/https://www.rtve.es/deportes/20130414/viejo-clasico-espanol-athletic-madrid-se-despide-san-mames/639163.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> so named as the two clubs were dominant in the first half of the 20th century, meeting in nine Copa del Rey finals including the first in [[1903 Copa del Rey|1903]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.athletic-club.eus/en/match-statistics/1_2356/1902-03_athletic-club_real-madrid-cf.html| title = Athletic-Real Madrid Final 1903 Cup| access-date = 16 November 2017| archive-date = 16 December 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161216115810/http://www.athletic-club.eus/en/match-statistics/1_2356/1902-03_athletic-club_real-madrid-cf.html| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Los Athletic-Real Madrid están a punto de cumplir 97 años|trans-title=Athletic v Real Madrid is reaching the point of 97 years|url=https://as.com/futbol/2017/03/18/primera/1489805309_593835.html|language=es|date=18 March 2017|work=Diario AS|access-date=13 November 2017|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228121139/https://as.com/futbol/2017/03/18/primera/1489805309_593835.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Until 10 December 2011, this fixture was the most played in the history of [[Football in Spain|Spanish football]], when it was surpassed by ''El Clásico''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2011/12/10/mas_futbol/1323502015_850215.html|newspaper=Diario AS|date=10 December 2011|access-date=13 November 2017|language=es|title=El Clásico de los Clásicos: 216 partidos oficiales|trans-title=The classic of all classics: 216 official matches|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215005537/https://as.com/futbol/2011/12/10/mas_futbol/1323502015_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Athletic Bilbao, who operate a [[Athletic Bilbao signing policy|policy of only using local players]],<ref>{{cite news |author=Pete Jenson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/pete-jenson-athletic-bilbao-s-locals-only-transfer-policy-shows-success-does-not-need-to-be-bought-9692663.html |title=Pete Jenson: Athletic Bilbao's locals-only transfer policy shows success does not need to be bought |newspaper=The Independent |date=26 August 2014 |access-date=16 November 2017 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929045750/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/pete-jenson-athletic-bilbao-s-locals-only-transfer-policy-shows-success-does-not-need-to-be-bought-9692663.html |url-status=live }}</ref> have long since ceased to be a competitive rival to clubs such as Real Madrid who scour the globe for the best talent; the ''Lions'' won only two of the 26 matches between the teams from [[2005–06 La Liga|2005–06]] to [[2016–17 La Liga|2016–17]].<ref name=RTVE/><ref name= ACpastliga>{{cite web|url=http://www.athletic-club.eus/en/past-seasons.html|publisher=Athletic Bilbao|access-date=16 November 2017|title=Past seasons (filter: versus Real Madrid, League Championship)|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162511/https://www.athletic-club.eus/en/past-seasons.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=BDFRMCF>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/e2.html?cat=1a&temp=-&rival=6&cas=0&for=0|website=Bdfutbol.com|access-date=16 November 2017|title=Real Madrid matches (filter: versus Athletic Club)|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222147/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/e2.html?cat=1a&temp=-&rival=6&cas=0&for=0|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the matches remain keenly fought due to their historical and cultural significance, with some parallels to the political aspect of the Barcelona/Catalonia rivalry as Athletic are the largest club in the [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque region]].<ref name=morboreview>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/mar/26/newsstory.sport13|title=Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football by Phil Ball (London: WSC Books, 2001)|date=26 March 2001|access-date=1 July 2009|work=[[The Guardian]]|last=Lowe|first=Sid|archive-date=28 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628023700/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2001/mar/26/newsstory.sport13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=struggle/><ref name=squid>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/18/real-madrid-gorka-iraizoz-athletic|title=Real Madrid repelled as Gorka Iraizoz emulates the Squid|work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2010|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226174030/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/18/real-madrid-gorka-iraizoz-athletic|url-status=live}}</ref>

===European rivalries===
{{see also|Real Madrid CF in international football#European Cup / UEFA Champions League}}

====Bayern Munich====
{{main|Bayern Munich–Real Madrid rivalry}}
[[File:Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich.jpg|thumb|left|Real Madrid players celebrating a goal against Bayern Munich in [[2006–07 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#Round of 16|2007]]]]
Real Madrid and [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] are two of the most successful clubs in the UEFA Champions League/European Cup competition, with Real winning 15 times and Bayern winning six times.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/bayern-munich-vs-real-madrid-champions-league-history-of-the-rivalry-a7679081.html|title=Bayern Munich and Real Madrid form one of the Champions League's richest and most intense historical rivalries|author=Miguel Delaney|work=[[The Independent]]|date=11 April 2017|access-date=8 December 2018|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726182330/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/bayern-munich-vs-real-madrid-champions-league-history-of-the-rivalry-a7679081.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/noblmd-bayern-munich-real-madrid-a-champions-league-classic-440451.jsp|title=Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: A Champions League classic|publisher=[[Bundesliga]]|date=11 April 2017|access-date=8 December 2018|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025055915/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/noblmd-bayern-munich-real-madrid-a-champions-league-classic-440451.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref> Although they have never met in a final, Real Madrid versus Bayern is the match that has historically been played most often in the Champions League/European Cup with 26 matches (twelve wins for Madrid, eleven wins for Bayern, with three draws),<ref name="RMCF-FCB H2H">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/teams/real-madrid/bayern-muenchen/11/|title=Real Madrid – Record against Bayern München|website=worldfootball.net|date=17 May 2023|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614084414/http://www.worldfootball.net/teams/real-madrid/bayern-muenchen/11/|url-status=live}}</ref> with several controversial incidents occurring due to the great importance of most of their meetings.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/apr/23/real-madrid-bayern-munich-juanito-kicked-matthaus Real Madrid v Bayern: the night Juanito kicked Matthäus in the face] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234436/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/apr/23/real-madrid-bayern-munich-juanito-kicked-matthaus |date=11 November 2020 }}, Scott Murray, ''The Guardian'', 23 April 2014</ref><ref name=hunter17>[https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bayern-munich-v-real-madrid-10202227 Bayern Munich v Real Madrid is the European Clásico – let the Champions League battle commence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511213112/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bayern-munich-v-real-madrid-10202227 |date=11 May 2021 }}, Graham Hunter, ''Daily Record'', 11 April 2017</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/real-madrid/abci-loco-bernabeu-escenifico-guerra-contigo-empezo-todo-201804240837_noticia.html#ancla_comentarios|title=El loco del Bernabéu escenificó la guerra: contigo empezó todo|date=24 April 2018|publisher=[[ABC (Spain)|ABC]]|access-date=30 August 2020|language=es|trans-title=The madman at the Bernabéu staged the war: everything started with you|archive-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906004021/https://www.abc.es/deportes/real-madrid/abci-loco-bernabeu-escenifico-guerra-contigo-empezo-todo-201804240837_noticia.html#ancla_comentarios|url-status=live}}</ref> Real Madrid supporters often refer to Bayern as the "Bestia negra" ("Black Beast").

During the 2010s, the two teams met in the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Semi-finals|2011–12 Champions League semi-finals]], which ended 3–3 on aggregate (Bayern won 3–1 on penalties after extra time, but lost [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final|the final]] at their own stadium by the same method), then at the same stage in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Semi-finals|2013–14 edition]] with Real Madrid winning 5–0 on aggregate,<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27193338 "Bayern Munich 0–4 Real Madrid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121532/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27193338 |date=1 January 2016 }}. BBC. Retrieved 23 August 2014</ref> and again in [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Semi-finals|2017–18]] with the Spanish club progressing 4–3;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/real-madrid-2-bayern-munich-2-champions-league-benzema-holders-third-straight-final-bernabeu-a3828651.html|title=Real Madrid 2 Bayern Munich 2: Karim Benzema brace sends Champions League holders into third straight final after Bernabeu thriller|work=[[Evening Standard]]|date=1 May 2018|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522042613/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/real-madrid-2-bayern-munich-2-champions-league-benzema-holders-third-straight-final-bernabeu-a3828651.html|url-status=live}}</ref> both times they went on to win the competition.

====Juventus====
Another match that is often played in the European Cup/Champions League is Real Madrid vs [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], the most decorated Italian club. They have played each other in 21 matches and have an almost perfectly balanced record (nine wins for Juventus, ten wins for Real Madrid and two draws), as well as nearly the same goal difference (Madrid ahead 26 to 25).<ref name=uefajuve>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0244-0e9894810bb0-1127b4bfb6f0-1000--juventus-v-real-madrid-one-of-europe-s-grandest-rivalries/|title=Juventus v Real Madrid: one of Europe's grandest rivalries|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=2 April 2018|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=17 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117222821/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2545819.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bdfrmjuv>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/e2.html?rival=3004|title=Real Madrid matches: v Juventus|website=BDFutbol|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201135210/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/e2.html?rival=3004|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=secondmost>{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/08/real-madrid-juventus-the-second-most-played-match-in-the-european-cup|title=Real Madrid-Juventus, the second most played match in the European Cup|publisher=Real Madrid CF|date=3 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201180708/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/08/real-madrid-juventus-the-second-most-played-match-in-the-european-cup|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:UEFA Champions League Final Cardiff 2017.jpg|thumb|Pre-match display at the [[2017 UEFA Champions League Final|2017 Champions League final]] between Real Madrid and Juventus]]
Their first meeting was in the quarter-finals of the [[1961–62 European Cup]], which Real Madrid won 3–1 in a replay held in [[Paris]].<ref name=bdfrmjuv/> At the quarter-final stage in [[1995–96 UEFA Champions League|1995–96]], Juventus prevailed 2–1 over the two legs and went on to lift the trophy.<ref name=bdfrmjuv/> In the [[1998 UEFA Champions League Final]] between the teams in [[Amsterdam]], Real Madrid won 1–0.<ref name=bdfrmjuv/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/06/02/5931918de2704e460b8b4594.html|title=Alves: Real Madrid beat Juventus in 1998 with an offside goal|work=Marca|date=2 June 2017|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201135201/https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/06/02/5931918de2704e460b8b4594.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They met again in the [[2002–03 UEFA Champions League]] semi-finals, when both clubs were in their respective 'golden eras'; Juventus won 4–3 on aggregate.<ref name=bdfrmjuv/> By that time, star midfielder [[Zinedine Zidane]], who played for the ''Bianconeri'' in the 1998 final, had moved from [[Turin]] to Madrid in a world record €77 million deal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ley|first1=John|title=Zidane in £48m Real deal|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3008694/Zidane-in-48m-Real-deal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3008694/Zidane-in-48m-Real-deal.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|access-date=1 December 2018|date=9 July 2001}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The teams met again in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League group stage]], with Madrid winning 2–1 at home and drawing 2–2 away en route to their tenth title. In the [[2014–15 UEFA Champions League]] semi-finals, former Real Madrid player [[Álvaro Morata]] scored one goal in each leg to take Juventus to the final, winning 3–2 on aggregate, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored both goals for Madrid.<ref name=bdfrmjuv/> They faced off again in the [[2017 UEFA Champions League Final]] in [[Cardiff]], with Ronaldo scoring twice as Real Madrid won 4–1.<ref name=bdfrmjuv/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/03/juventus-real-madrid-champions-league-final-match-report |title=Real Madrid win Champions League as Cristiano Ronaldo double defeats Juve |author=Daniel Taylor |work=The Guardian |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=3 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603205009/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/03/juventus-real-madrid-champions-league-final-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c5117c008df-de0901ea6dae-1000--majestic-real-madrid-win-champions-league-in-cardiff/ |title=Majestic Real Madrid win Champions League in Cardiff |author=Andrew Haslam |publisher=UEFA |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331042605/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2017/matches/round=2000787/match=2019641/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The latest Champions League meeting was in the [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Quarter-finals|2017–18 quarter-finals]], which Real Madrid won 4–3 on aggregate; the tie ended in dramatic and controversial fashion, with a debatable penalty awarded to Real Madrid in the last minute of the second leg after Juventus built a 3–0 lead at the Bernabeu to pull level in the tie following a defeat at the [[Juventus Stadium|Allianz Stadium]] by the same scoreline.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/119791/cl-juve-heartbreak-bernabeu|title=CL: Juve heartbreak at the Bernabeu|publisher=Football Italia|date=11 April 2018|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126235653/https://www.football-italia.net/119791/cl-juve-heartbreak-bernabeu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1525639-buffon-referee-has-a-trash-can-where-his-heart-should-be|title=Buffon: Referee 'has a trashcan in place of a heart'|website=thescore.com|date=11 April 2018|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422162315/https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1525639-buffon-referee-has-a-trash-can-where-his-heart-should-be|url-status=live}}</ref> Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals over the two matches including the decisive penalty and a spectacular overhead kick,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-lauded-after-most-beautiful-goal-buries-juventus-1832550?pfrom=home-sshowcase|title=Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo's Goal Leaves Sporting World in Awe – NDTV Sports|last=NDTVSports.com|work=NDTVSports.com|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153801/https://sports.ndtv.com/football/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-lauded-after-most-beautiful-goal-buries-juventus-1832550?pfrom=home-sshowcase|url-status=live}}</ref> and having won the Champions League with Madrid for a fourth time,<ref name="3rdCL">{{cite web|last1=Saffer|first1=Paul|title=Three in a row: Real Madrid make more history|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0245-0e9cd8be7edb-c0384dc7e939-1000--three-in-a-row-real-madrid-make-more-history/|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=1 December 2018|date=26 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502210624/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2554889.html|url-status=live}}</ref> he transferred to Juventus a few months later for a €117 million fee.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Juventus!|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2018/cristiano-ronaldo-signs-for-juventus.php|website=juventus.com|access-date=1 December 2018|date=10 July 2018|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731054606/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2018/cristiano-ronaldo-signs-for-juventus.php|url-status=live}}</ref>