Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterLosing a Champions League final is one of the most painful experiences in football.So, it doesnt take a genius to work out that losing two is twice as hard, but whats worse for Atletico Madrid, is both of their unsuccessful final appearances in modern times have come against their most bitter rivals, Real Madrid.To add the cherry on top, Atleti were the opponents on the pitch as Los Blancos completed La Decima their tenth European title. You may like Marcelo looks back at Los Blancos clinching La Decima in 2014 Mourinho was a born winner he pushed us, he took us to the limit. Real had gone too long without winning and a club of that magnitude couldnt allow that to happen Marcelo on Jose Mourinhos El Clasico impact at Real Madrid When the news arrived of Sergio Agueros winner against QPR, that killed us. We would rather have lost the title by several points Nani on Manchester Uniteds infamous 2011/12 Premier League title defeat Saul looks back on cruel Champions League experienceSaul is a legend for Los Rojiblancos, with league titles, cups and Europa League triumphs to his name, and he has found further success since, through a Copa Libertadores win with Flamengo.None of that, however, detracts from the pain of those two nights, according to the midfielder.Sal didnt hold back The former Spain international and Atltico Madrid star had plenty to say about Flamengo vs. Real Madrid fans #Brasileirao #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/rjLZ2vZfNbDecember 17, 2025Its a scar that stays with you forever, he tells FourFourTwo now. For me, it wasnt so much about losing to Real Madrid, as it was losing the Champions League final.People have asked whether later winning the Copa Libertadores has lifted that weight off my shoulders. There are players who would feel that way, but personally, one thing doesnt erase the other.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Sergio Ramos last-minute header sent the 2014 final to extra-time, where Los Blancos blitzed their rivals with three further goals. Painful, yes, but the Sauls perceived injustice in the showpiece finale two years later stings even more.What hurt was the way we lost, he explained. Their goal was offside, then we missed a penalty and there was also a possible red card for Real.It was cruel. Not winning the Champions League is still a deeply painful feeling. What to read next Id trade three of my Champions Leagues for a World Cup. Id still have two Champions Leagues how many footballers can say that? Marcelo on reflects on his trophy-laden career Bales overhead kick showed that football is sometimes more improvisation than planning. He scored like that because he needed to Marcelo on what it meant to assist Gareth Bales Champions League final stunner against Liverpool Diego Simeone is almost a god at Atleti, but hes earned that status. He has changed the clubs history Saul Niguez on what Simeone means to Atletico Madrid fans Manager Diego Simeone even considered leaving, so painful had the experience been many will be thankful he didnt.Its true that he openly talked about the possibility of leaving, Saul revealed. He was empty.I understood he was hurting, but I remember thinking that it wasnt the right moment to say something like that. We were all broken.For your leader to come out and say that was tough, because it was a time to stick together and try again.That is what they did, and while Champions League glory never followed, they do have plenty of silverware to show for it.TOPICSAtltico MadridReal MadridChampions LeagueIsaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.With contributions fromDani Gil
