Barcelona Although less famous than the Derbi Madrileño, a historic rivalry exists between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, which is also considered one of the "Classics" of Spanish football. Once lopsided in favor of the Catalan club, this rivalry has become competitive since the early 2010s, marked by events such as the 2016 Champions League knockout phase where Atletico Madrid upset Barcelona, the controversial departure of French striker Antoine Griezmann from the Madrid club to the Catalan club in 2019 (and his subsequent return in 2021 amid Barcelona's financial struggles), and the surprise move of Luis Suárez to Atlético in 2020, a move which saw the Uruguyan star play a crucial role in the team's championship run. However, by tradition and current affairs, the greatest rivalry is that which exists with its "merengues" neighbors.
Barcelona Although less famous than the Derbi Madrileño a historic rivalry exists between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona which is also considered one of the "Classics" of Spanish football Once lopsided in favor of the Catalan club this rivalry has become competitive since the early 2010s marked by events such as the 2016 Champions League knockout phase where Atletico Madrid upset Barcelona the controversial departure of French striker Antoine Griezmann from the Madrid club to the Catalan club in 2019 (and his subsequent return in 2021 amid Barcelona's financial struggles) and the surprise move of Luis Suárez to Atlético in 2020 a move which saw the Uruguyan star play a crucial role in the team's championship run However by tradition and current affairs the greatest rivalry is that which exists with its "merengues" neighbors