Atletico Madrid stare down each bitter metropolis rivals Real Madrid and the load of historical past as they purpose to succeed in the Champions League quarter-finals on Thursday (IST). Los Blancos are the report 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 Real Madrid have emerged triumphant each time.
“History 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 remaining 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 working out 4-1 winners.
Two years later the ultimate went all the way in which 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 shedding in opposition to Bayern Munich within the 1974 remaining, with then-president Vicente Calderon labelling his membership “el pupas” – the cursed one.
Never does that really feel extra correct than when Simeone’s facet face Real Madrid in Europe.
In 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 decent contest.
Madrid’s higher hand was first positioned way back to 1959, once they beat Atletico 2-1 in a semi-final play-off, after the house and away ties left the groups stage.
However Atletico’s motto is “braveness and coronary heart” and with almost 70,000 followers behind them at their Metropolitano stadium, they’ll imagine they’ll write a brand new chapter into the historical past books.
‘Still alive’
This would be the first Champions League conflict in opposition to Real Madrid at Atletico’s new residence, with their 2017 remaining 4 battle their final ever European sport at their beloved Vicente Calderon stadium.
Simeone mentioned the primary leg was “very tactical” for a Madrid derby, with each 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.
Only one yellow card was proven, to Diaz for leaping into the group after scoring what proved the winner.
However that’s unlikely to be repeated within the all-or-nothing second leg, with Atletico followers often 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 workforce had been cautious on the Bernabeu regardless of trailing as a result of they believed that with a decent scoreline on the half-way level, they’ll capitalise at residence.
They did the identical final season in opposition to Inter Milan on the similar stage, shedding in Italy however successful the return on penalties at residence.
“Our followers push us, they offer us vitality, they make placing within the effort not tough, and we’d like them,” mentioned Simeone.
“We are nonetheless alive and we could have 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 drag stage with leaders Barcelona.
Ancelotti was capable of 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 workforce would recuperate in time to face Madrid.
“The gamers really feel unhealthy as a result of we performed a foul match,” admitted the Argentine.
“We need to attempt to be robust, united, with the hope of enhancing our sport, and we will not think about anything.”
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