Atletico ‘nonetheless alive’ in battle towards Actual Madrid and historical past
Los Blancos are the document 15-time champions, the present holders, and lead 2-1 Atletico within the final 16 tie in addition to seemingly holding a decades-long jinx on Atletico.
The groups have been paired on 5 events within the historical past of the competitors and Actual Madrid have emerged triumphant each time.
“Historical past exists, and Madrid’s historical past within the Champions League is extraordinary,” admitted Atletico coach Diego Simeone earlier than the primary leg, together with his facet nonetheless ready for a primary European Cup.
Most painful for Atletico had been the 2014 and 2016 ultimate defeats in Lisbon and Milan respectively.
Simeone’s facet led in stoppage time within the former, however Sergio Ramos’s 93rd minute header pressured extra-time, with Madrid operating out 4-1 winners.Two years later the ultimate went all the best way to penalties however Atletico defender Juanfran missed his spot-kick, permitting Cristiano Ronaldo to transform his and mark up one other Madrid triumph.It was their third defeat on the final hurdle, after dropping towards Bayern Munich within the 1974 ultimate, with then-president Vicente Calderon labelling his membership “el pupas” – the cursed one.
By no means does that really feel extra correct than when Simeone’s facet face Actual Madrid in Europe.
Within the 2017 semi-finals Atletico misplaced 3-0 on the Santiago Bernabeu within the first leg, however regardless of taking a two-goal lead within the return, got here up brief when Isco pulled one again for Madrid.
In 2015 it took an 88th minute strike within the second leg by Madrid striker Javier Hernandez to divide the edges in a good contest.
Madrid’s higher hand was first positioned way back to 1959, after they beat Atletico 2-1 in a semi-final play-off, after the house and away ties left the groups degree.
Nevertheless Atletico’s motto is “braveness and coronary heart” and with practically 70,000 followers behind them at their Metropolitano stadium, they may imagine they will write a brand new chapter into the historical past books.
– ‘Nonetheless alive’ –
This would be the first Champions League conflict towards Actual Madrid at Atletico’s new dwelling, with their 2017 ultimate 4 battle their final ever European recreation at their beloved Vicente Calderon stadium.
Simeone mentioned the primary leg was “very tactical” for a Madrid derbywith either side cautious within the second half after Brahim Diaz put Madrid 2-1 forward within the fifty fifth minute.
Rodrygo Goes gave the hosts the lead however Julian Alvarez’s wonderful strike levelled for Atletico within the first half.
Just one yellow card was proven, to Diaz for leaping into the gang after scoring what proved the winner.
Nevertheless that’s unlikely to be repeated within the all-or-nothing second leg, with Atletico followers normally whipped right into a frenzy by Simeone on the sidelines.
“If it was tough tonight, think about what it will likely be like subsequent Wednesday,” mentioned Carlo Ancelotti final week, absolutely conscious of the stress from the stands his facet will face.
Simeone’s crew had been cautious on the Bernabeu regardless of trailing as a result of they believed that with a good scoreline on the half-way level, they will capitalise at dwelling.
They did the identical final season towards Inter Milan on the similar stage, dropping in Italy however successful the return on penalties at dwelling.
“Our followers push us, they offer us power, they make placing within the effort not tough, and we want them,” mentioned Simeone.
“We’re nonetheless alive and we might have an excellent night time on Wednesday.”
Star Madrid forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe had been stored extraordinarily quiet within the first leg however each scored as they beat Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in La Liga to tug degree with leaders Barcelona.
Ancelotti was in a position to take off some star names together with Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, who’s again from suspension and set to start out for Madrid.
Atletico endured a extra painful weekend with two late targets consigning them to a 2-1 defeat at Getafe, however Simeone mentioned his crew would get better in time to face Madrid.
“The gamers really feel dangerous as a result of we performed a nasty match,” admitted the Argentine.
“We have now to attempt to be sturdy, united, with the hope of enhancing our recreation, and we won’t think about anything.”
