Atlético Madrid legends outclass Real in padel derby at Hexagon Cup
Former footballers and content creators from Madrid's big clubs faced off in a friendly padel contest, with the Rojiblancos claiming bragging rights for the second year running.
The Madrid derby took a different form as legends from both sides of the capital’s footballing divide swapped boots for padel rackets, with Atlético Madrid coming out on top once again.
Capital rivalry on the court
In what’s becoming a proper tradition, ex-players and content creators from Real Madrid and Atlético faced off at Madrid’s Caja Mágica venue ahead of the Hexagon Cup padel tournament. The friendly clash featured some proper big names from both clubs, with the Rojiblancos dominating proceedings just as they did last year.
The match took place on the Manolo Santana court, already prepped for the main tournament that runs from January 28th to February 1st.
Star-studded lineup
Real Madrid’s team brought out some serious talent including:
- Iker Casillas (legendary goalkeeper)
- Luis Milla (former midfielder)
- Rubén De la Red
- Ezequiel Garay
- Jordi Codina
- Content creator Delantero 09 (known Real Madrid supporter)
Atlético’s squad featured:
- Miguel Ángel Ferrer “Mista”
- Quini Álvarez
- Javi Guerrero
- Juan José de los Ríos
- Special guest TikToker Raúl Otero
Atlético’s superior racket skills
The format saw players mixing into different pairs for short matches decided by super tie-breaks. Right from the off, the Atlético representatives showed better coordination and skill on the court. Mista and Quini, clearly no mugs with a racket, set the tempo while the Real Madrid lads struggled to find their rhythm.
Codina and Garay - who owns the G24 club where several professional padel players train - tried to mount a comeback for Los Blancos, but it wasn’t to be. The Rojiblancos took the win in convincing fashion.
Despite the competitive edge, the atmosphere remained proper friendly. Luis Milla had a bit of a laugh about some potential ringers in the Atlético team, quipping: “There’s a high level here, but I’m not sure if some have ever worn the Atlético shirt!”
This padel derby has become a bit of a curtain-raiser for the Hexagon Cup and shows how the sport has got its hooks into Spain’s football legends. For Atlético, at least they’ve got the bragging rights in one Madrid derby this season - proper result for the colchoneros!