On December 15, 2016, Atlético Valdemoro reached a significant milestone, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This historic club, deeply rooted in the football scene of Valdemoro, has experienced incredible highs and challenges over the decades. From competing in prestigious leagues to fighting financial difficulties, Atlético Valdemoro continues to embody the resilience and passion of its community.
Early Years
Founded on December 15, 1966, Atlético Valdemoro initially bore the name Agrupación Deportiva Valdemoro. They wore the colors of Rayo Vallecano, a nod to the early influence of the Madrid club. Their first official season in the Third Regional occurred in 1967/68, and by the following year, they adopted the name Atlético Valdemoro. That season, they narrowly missed promotion to Second Regional, finishing third in their group.
However, the breakthrough came in the 1969/70 season, when they secured promotion to Second Regional by defeating Tarancon 6-1, achieving leadership ahead of rivals Ciempozuelos and Ocaña.
Climbing the Football Ladder
The team continued to climb the ranks of Spanish football. By the 1971/72 season, Atlético Valdemoro made its debut in First Regional, and just a year later, they reached Preferente, one step closer to the coveted Third Division. During this period, there was only one group per category, making these promotions even more significant for the club.
Key Milestones:
- 1969/70 season: Promoted to Second Regional after defeating Tarancon.
- 1973/74 season: Won the Ramón Triana Cup, their first major regional trophy.
- 1979: Promoted to Third Division after a victory over Conquense.
In 1979, they finally achieved promotion to Third Division by defeating Conquense 2-1 in a decisive match. Their first season in Third Division saw them maintain their spot in the league, finishing 18th.
A Glorious Copa del Rey Run
One of the club’s most memorable moments came in the Copa del Rey during the 1979/80 season, where they faced Atlético de Madrid. In the first leg at Valdemoro’s home ground, the team put up a valiant fight, though they lost 1-3. However, the return match at the iconic Vicente Calderón Stadium ended in a surprising 0-0 draw, showcasing the team’s potential against one of Spain’s top football clubs.
In 1986/87, the club once again made history in the Copa del Rey by reaching a clash with Real Betis after eliminating Leganés and Conquense. In front of a packed home crowd, Atlético Valdemoro led 2-1 at halftime, but Betis scored two quick goals to win the match 3-2, leaving the Valdemoreños with a bittersweet memory.
Trials, Tribulations, and Revival
The 1990s were marked by both triumphs and setbacks. In 1990/91, Atlético Valdemoro reached the playoffs for promotion to Second Division B, finishing behind Real Madrid C and Fuenlabrada. Unfortunately, they fell short in the playoffs against Lalín and Zamora. By the early 2000s, the team’s fortunes began to fade. After a brief resurgence in Third Division, Atlético Valdemoro faced severe economic hardships, relegation, and institutional neglect. In 2012/13, they were relegated to Segunda Regional, and the following season, they dropped to Tercera Regional.
Despite these challenges, Atlético Valdemoro has remained a symbol of perseverance. With 50 years of history, they continue to fight on the pitch, determined to rise again and reclaim their place in Spanish football.
Congratulations to Atlético Valdemoro — here’s to many more years of footballing passion!