Real Madrid’s darkest days: the 10 worst defeats in club history

October 28, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Even the most decorated club in European football isn’t immune to humiliation. Real Madrid have suffered some truly crushing defeats over the decades—whether in historic rivalries, key European fixtures, or shocking domestic matches. Here are their 10 worst losses ever, ranked from least to most painful.

10. Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona (2009)

Thierry Henry — Photo: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

In a high-stakes El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid took an early lead through Gonzalo Higuaín. But Barcelona responded with a ruthless display, including braces from Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi, to dismantle their rivals and take control of the La Liga title race.

9. Real Zaragoza 6-1 Real Madrid (2006)

Despite fielding stars like Ronaldo and Beckham, Madrid were embarrassed in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Diego Milito ran riot with four goals, exposing a fragile defense and pushing Madrid to the brink of elimination.

8. Athletic Bilbao 6-0 Real Madrid (1931)

Athletic Club Bilbao celebrating a trophy — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

In a season many consider one of the worst in the club’s history, Real Madrid suffered a 6-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao. Four goals before halftime and two more after left Los Blancos completely overrun and humiliated.

7. AC Milan 5-0 Real Madrid (1989)

Van Basten, Van Basten, Gullit — spatuletail / Shutterstock.com

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Madrid were blown away at San Siro in the European Cup semi-finals. Milan’s attacking force of Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, and Donadoni overwhelmed the Spaniards in one of their heaviest continental defeats.

6. Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid (2010)

Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona gave Jose Mourinho his harshest welcome to El Clasico, dominating from start to finish. David Villa’s brace and goals from Xavi, Pedro, and Jeffren sealed a five-goal thrashing at Camp Nou.

5. Hamburger SV 5-1 Real Madrid (1980)

Kevin Keegan — By Unknown author - Here, Public Domain

Madrid looked destined for the European Cup final after a 2-0 first-leg win. But Hamburg stormed back with a four-goal first half and added a fifth late on, sending shockwaves through the competition.

4. Benfica 5-1 Real Madrid (1965)

eusebio — Harry Pot, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, via Wikimedia Commons

Two of Europe’s top teams clashed in Lisbon for the European Cup quarter-final, but only Benfica turned up. Real Madrid were outclassed, conceding three early goals and two more late on, effectively ending the tie before the return leg.

3. Kaiserslautern 5-0 Real Madrid (1982)

FC Kaiserslautern — Strahlengang / Shutterstock.com

Holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, Real Madrid collapsed completely in Germany. Kaiserslautern scored twice early and added three more in the second half, sending Los Blancos out of the UEFA Cup in stunning fashion.

2. Valencia 6-0 Real Madrid (1999)

Valencia CF — Media Whale Stock / Shutterstock.com

In the Copa del Rey semi-final, Valencia tore Madrid apart after a first-half red card for Fernando Redondo. Four goals before the break and two more in the second half made it Real’s biggest-ever defeat to Los Ches.

1. Espanyol 8-1 Real Madrid (1930)

The most lopsided loss in the club's history came against Espanyol, who had already beaten them earlier that season. Gaspar Rubio’s goal offered brief hope, but Espanyol ran riot in the second half, scoring five more to complete an 8-1 demolition.