Atlético reveal special blue and white anniversary kit

Atlético Madrid on Monday revealed what has long been rumored — a special 120th anniversary shirt, set to be unveiled for the first time when the Colchoneros host Mallorca on Wednesday.

Atlético were founded as a Madrid-based offshoot of Athletic Club de Bilbao on April 26, 1903. The club’s original colors were not the now-famous red and white stripes — they were blue and white, initially Athletic’s colors as well. The blue and white halved anniversary shirt reflects this.

The shirts are already available to purchase in Atlético’s exclusive online shop for socios (club members), and will go on sale in Atleti’s standard online shop as well as physical stores on Tuesday. It’s anticipated that beyond Wednesday’s contest, the anniversary look will serve as Atleti’s primary away kit for the 2023/24 season. Next season’s home shirt is expected to be revealed some time this summer.

Atlético will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the new shirt following Sunday’s 1-0 loss at FC Barcelona. The defeat snapped Atleti’s six-game winning streak, as well as its three-month, 13-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.

Diego Simeone’s men find themselves five points behind second-place Real Madrid with eight games remaining, as well as six points clear of fourth-place Real Sociedad — although the Rojiblancos left Camp Nou Spotify worse for wear. Koke missed the game with muscular discomfort, and Stefan Savić sustained what is likely a season-ending toe injury.