The duels between the 'franjiverde' team and the 'colchoneros' have left memorable moments in the city of palm trees. Despite Atlético de Madrid's status as one of Spain's football giants, their visits to Elche have not always been pleasant. The overall balance of official matches leans in favor of Elche CF, with 13 victories to the Madrid team's 10.
This Illicitan dominance was forged mainly at the old Altabix stadium, where Atlético de Madrid fell on eight occasions and only achieved three victories. That era of glory for Elche CF saw figures like Luis Aragonés face the best teams in the 'franjiverde' club's centenary history. The first triumph came in June 1960, in a Copa match, after a first-leg defeat.
Between 1962 and 1971, Elche CF maintained an unbeaten streak against Atlético de Madrid at home, with several victories and draws. This streak was abruptly broken in the 1970-1971 season with a resounding 0-4 defeat. The largest Madrid victory on Illicitan soil was repeated last season in the Copa, with the same scoreline.
The move from Altabix to Martínez Valero marked a new stage. The first years in the new stadium maintained Illicitan dominance, with narrow victories in the eighties. One of the most remembered duels was a spectacular 4-4 in the 1977-1978 season, which could not prevent Elche CF's relegation to Segunda División.
In the current century, the clashes have been more balanced, with five draws in nine matches. However, three local victories stand out, two of them when Atlético de Madrid was in Segunda División (2000-2001 and 2001-2002). Especially memorable is the 5-1 victory at Martínez Valero, against an Atlético managed by Luis Aragonés, with outstanding performances from players like Nino and Raúl Ivars.
The last time Elche CF overcame Atlético de Madrid at Martínez Valero was as an epilogue to a difficult season, with a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Fidel. History shows that an Elche CF victory against Atlético de Madrid is not a chimera, but a reality that has been repeated on many occasions.




