The 1987–88 season was Atlético Madrid's 47th season since foundation in 1903 and the club's 41th season in La Liga, the top league of Spanish football. Atlético competed in La Liga, and the Copa del Rey.
Summary.
During summer of 1987, Construction Businessman Jesus Gil was elected club president and his first signing was that of 21-year-old Portuguese winger Paulo Futre. Forward Julio Salinas moved from Athletic Bilbao, and he found the net at an impressive rate (this included a brace on 7 February 1988 in a 7–0 home thrashing of RCD Mallorca).Also, Gil appointed a new coach being his choice Cesar Luis Menotti. He won 4–0 away at Real Madrid in the Madrid derby on 7 November. After 23 games of the season, Atlético were second to Real Madrid, but went on a six-game winless run culminating in a 3–1 home loss to their city rivals on 20 March 1988. Chairman Jesús Gil had already had talks with Menotti – including about the players' nightlife before their draw away to Real Sociedad in October – and subsequently dismissed him.