Sergio Agüero

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Agüero's time at Atlético Madrid saw him establish a lethal partnership with Uruguayan striker Diego Forlán. On 16 September 2008 he scored his first Champions League goals in a 3–0 away win at PSV Eindhoven. In March 2009, Forlán and Agüero each scored a brace in a 4–3 win over league leaders Barcelona, Agüero scoring the winning goal in the match's final minutes. He finished in the top ten contenders for the Pichichi Trophy, won by his teammate Forlán. In the 2009–10 season, on 3 November 2009 he scored twice against Chelsea during a 2–2 draw in the Champions League at the Vicente Calderón. Atlético reached the final of the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League, where Agüero assisted both goals in a 2–1 extra time win against Fulham. He also helped Atlético reach the Copa del Rey final, losing to Sevilla on 19 May. On 27 August 2010, Atlético captured the UEFA Super Cup by beating Inter Milan 2–0; Agüero provided the assist for José Antonio Reyes' opening goal and scored the second. On 4 January 2011, Atlético confirmed Agüero had signed a new contract until 2014; the next day he was named vice-captain. The 2010–11 season was arguably his most successful for Atlético, as he scored 20 league goals for the first time. Between March and May 2011 he went on a run of seven consecutive goalscoring appearances, a feat no other player in Europe could match that season. His final outing came on 21 May against Mallorca: in a 4–3 win he scored his first career hat-trick, the second goal being his 100th for the club. Failure to celebrate any of the goals led to speculation he would leave. On 23 May 2011, Agüero announced on his official website that he wanted to move from Atlético and formally asked to be released from his contract.

In Their Own Story

The Vicente Calderón vibrated with a nervous energy, the air thick with the scent of grilled sausages and anticipation. It was the final minutes of the Europa League final in 2010. The ball found its way to the left flank, bouncing off the wet turf. A young man in red and white stripes, eyes locked on the goal, surged forward. He didn't just run; he hunted every loose ball with a predator's instinct, drawing defenders away to create space for his teammates. As the whistle blew and the trophy was secured, Agüero threw his arms around Forlán and Falcao, the three sharing a moment of pure euphoria that cemented their bond forever. That night wasn't just about silverware; it was the moment the Calderón roared with belief that this team belonged among the giants.

Reader's Guide

Sergio Agüero's era at Atlético Madrid (2006–2011) represents a golden age of individual brilliance within the club's broader resurgence. Arriving as a teenage sensation from Independiente, he immediately adapted to La Liga's physical demands with a playing style defined by explosive acceleration, exceptional technical dribbling, and an uncanny ability to find space in crowded penalty areas. Unlike traditional strikers who relied solely on positioning, Agüero was a creator of chances for himself, often dropping deep or drifting wide before unleashing sudden bursts of speed to punish defenses. The 2010 UEFA Europa League victory, where he assisted both goals in the final, remains a defining moment in modern club history. Additionally, his contributions were vital in securing two consecutive third-place finishes in La Liga, which helped establish the team as consistent contenders rather than occasional disruptors. Agüero's legacy at Atlético is that of a catalyst. He proved that the club could develop and showcase world-class talent capable of competing with Real Madrid and Barcelona on the biggest stages. While his departure to the Premier League marked the end of an era, his impact was foundational. He left behind a standard of excellence and a connection with the fans that transcends statistics, forever remembered as 'Kun', the Argentine boy who brought magic to the Calderón.

Did You Know?

• Agüero scored his first career hat-trick in his final outing for Atlético Madrid, a 4–3 win against Mallorca on 21 May 2011; the second goal was his 100th for the club.
• Between March and May 2011, he went on a run of seven consecutive goalscoring appearances, a feat no other player in Europe could match that season.
• He provided the assist for José Antonio Reyes' opening goal and scored the second in Atlético's 2–0 UEFA Super Cup win over Inter Milan on 27 August 2010.
• In the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League final, Agüero assisted both goals in a 2–1 extra time win against Fulham.
• On 3 November 2009, he scored twice against Chelsea during a 2–2 draw in the Champions League at the Vicente Calderón.