From the red-and-white stripes to the roar of the fans in the Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid has had many glorious moments. But what is the “most successful season” in the club’s history? Is it based on trophies won, performances in multiple competitions, records broken, or legacy left behind? In this article, CantoKick will journey through Atlético’s peaks — from domestic triumphs to continental glory — and make the case for the club’s greatest season ever, while comparing close contenders.
Defining “Most Successful Season”
Before naming a winner, we must clarify criteria. A season’s greatness can be judged by:
- Trophies won (league, cup, su, European trophies)
- Depth of performance in all competitions (finals, semi-finals)
- Statistical dominance
- Historical significance (breaking barriers, underdog narratives)
- Legacy and impact on club identity and reputation
Under this lens, a season with a single trophy but huge impact might rival one with multiple lesser trophies.
The Leading Contender: 2013–14 Atlético Madrid
Most pundits and fans converge on the 2013–14 campaign as Atlético’s shining hour. It ticks nearly every box above. Let’s break it down.
Domestic dominance and the La Liga title
- Atlético clinched La Liga on the final day by drawing 1–1 against Barcelona, sealing their 10th Spanish league crown.
- Their league record: 28 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses, with 77 goals scored and just 26 conceded. use.com])
- Defensively, they were rock-solid, conceding the fewest goals in the division — a hallmark of Atlético under Diego Simeone.
European heroics and heartbreak
- In the UEFA Champions League, Atlético reached the final, pushing Real Madrid to extra time before losing 4–1. kipedia])
- That European run significantly boosted their European reputation — reaching the final is no small feat for a club not traditionally among Europe’s elite.
Cup performance & other competitions
- In the Copa del Rey, Atlético made the semi-finals.
- They were runners-up in the Supercopa de España.
So while they didn’t bag multiple trophies, they competed deeply across all fronts.
Individual stats and standout players
- Diego Costa was the season’s top scorer with 36 goals in all competitions (27 in La Liga)
- Keeper Thibaut Courtois kept 20 clean sheets in 37 league matches, with a goals-against average around 0.65.
- The defense, featuring Godín, Miranda, Filipe Luís and Juanfran, became an Atlético hallmark.
Historic and emotional weight
- The 2013–14 season rewrote expectations: defeating Barça and Real Madrid over an entire season in La Liga, building an identity of grit, resilience, tactical mastery.
- It has become folklore among Atlético fans as “the season we dared to dream bigger.”
- It helped elevate Simeone’s legacy — that he could not only stabilize Atlético but lead them into elite status.
In many ways, it is Atlético’s statement season — the one that.
Close Rival Seasons Worth Mentioning
Although 2013–14 often wins the crown, other seasons make a compelling case. Let’s glance at top contenders.
1995–96: Domestic double
- Atlético Madrid won La Liga and Copa del Rey in this season — achieving a domestic double, a rare feat.
- However, they lacked deep European impact that season, making the double impressive but less omnipresent in impact.
Recent seasons under Simeone
- The 2020–21 season (Atlético’s 11th La Liga title) is often praised. They showed grit, consistency, and broke through against elite competition.
- But compared to 2013–14, their European runs were less dramatic (fewer finals appearances) and their dominance less severe in stats.
2011–12 Europa League success
- Atlético won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup that season.
- Still, they did not challenge for the league crown or go deep in multiple fronts, so as a single-season juggernaut it doesn’t quite match 2013–14.
Why 2013–14 Outshines Others: A Comparative Breakdown
| Criterion | 2013–14 | 1995–96 / Double seasons | 2020–21 / Later Simeone seasons |
| Trophies | League, deep cup, UCL finalist | League + Cup | League, some cups |
| European impact | Finalist in Champions League | Minimal European run | Occasional success, less consistent |
| Stats (defense / offense) | Best defensive record, high goal output | Strong domestic stats | More balanced but fewer extremes |
| Legacy / impact | Redefined club identity | Historic, but less wide influence | Reinforced consistency but less iconic |
| Emotional resonance | Legendary campaign for fans | Fond memories, less mythic | Appreciated, but not legendary in lore |
Potential Challenges to the Title
One might argue:
- A season with more silverware (e.g. domestic double + European trophy) could beat it. But Atlético has rarely had that perfect blend.
- Recent seasons may surpass it in future: unfolding seasons might yet produce an even more dominant campaign.
- Statistical outliers: maybe some season had a better points-per-game or goal differential, but lacked deep runs in Europe.
Yet as of now, 2013–14 remains a widely accepted high watermark for Atlético.
How That Season Defined Atlético’s Identity
Beyond mere numbers, the 2013–14 campaign left a lasting imprint:
- Tactical blueprint — Defensive solidity, disciplined pressing, lethal counters became Atlético’s ethos.
- Global stature boost — Reaching the Champions League final signaled they were not just Spain’s “small giant” but European heavyweight.
- Fan mythology — Matches like drawing the title against Barça, dramatic last rounds, clutch moments live on as legend.
- Foundation for future success — The season gave the club confidence, brand value, and recruitment appeal.
Conclusion
The 2013–14 Atlético Madrid season remains widely considered the club’s most successful season, because it combined domestic conquest, a European final run, statistical dominance, and mythic momentum. It’s not just about winning — it’s about inspiring, breaking molds, and defining a football identity.
If you love deep dives into football eras, legends, and what makes seasons unforgettable, stay with CantoKick. Next, explore detailed match-by-match analysis of 2013–14 or compare Atlético’s top-ever squads.
