Real Madrid: Simeone vs. Mourinho, 12 years later.

Diego Simeone and José Mourinho are set to meet once again on the touchline when Atletico Madrid face Real Madrid in the derby. Their last encounter as opposing managers dates all the way back to 2014.

Among all their previous meetings, the most memorable undoubtedly remains the 2013 Copa del Rey final. Played at the Santiago Bernabéu, the match ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory for Atletico Madrid after extra time, with Diego Costa and Miranda scoring the goals that secured the trophy for the Colchoneros.

That victory was particularly significant for Atletico. It ended a 14-year wait for a win over their city rivals and represented one of the first major statements of the Simeone era. The Argentine coach had already begun transforming Atletico into one of Spain’s most competitive teams, capable of challenging both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The game also came during José Mourinho’s final weeks as Real Madrid manager. His three-year spell in the Spanish capital was coming to an end, while Simeone’s project at Atletico was gathering momentum.

Before that Copa del Rey defeat, Mourinho had generally enjoyed the upper hand in his meetings with Simeone. Real Madrid had beaten Atletico in both Liga derbies that season, winning 2-0 at the Bernabéu before claiming a 2-1 victory at the Vicente Calderón. In another previous meeting between the two managers, Real had also recorded an emphatic 4-1 win.

Their rivalry did not end when Mourinho left Spain.

The two coaches met again in the 2014 Champions League semi-finals, when Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea. The first leg in Madrid finished 0-0, leaving everything to be decided at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea initially appeared to be in a strong position in the return leg, but Simeone’s Atletico produced one of their most impressive European performances. The Spanish side won 3-1 in London and booked their place in the Champions League final in Lisbon, where they would eventually face Real Madrid.

Overall, Mourinho and Simeone have faced each other six times as managers. Mourinho has recorded three victories, while Simeone has won twice, with the remaining match ending in a draw.

Their meetings have therefore often been extremely competitive, but the rivalry is about more than statistics. Both coaches are known for their intense personalities, tactical discipline and ability to motivate their teams for major matches. Their different footballing approaches have also made their confrontations particularly fascinating.

⚽🏆 Memorable: la historia de la última vez que Mourinho y Simeone se enfrentaron en un derbi https://t.co/KI2crkE57z

— laSexta Deportes (@Sexta_Deportes) September 18, 2026

Now, twelve years after their last meeting, Mourinho and Simeone are preparing to face each other once again.

This time, the setting will be another Madrid derby, with Mourinho back in charge of Real Madrid and Simeone once again leading Atletico.

The history between them adds another layer of intrigue to one of the biggest fixtures in Spanish football. Much has changed since their last meeting in 2014, but the competitive spirit surrounding both managers remains the same.

On Sunday, one of European football’s most recognizable managerial rivalries will finally be renewed.