Atletico Madrid and coach Diego Simeone have frequently faced heartache, even in what many consider the club’s most successful era.
This Wednesday, they will clash with Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, seeking redemption after suffering a bitter defeat in the Copa del Rey final just over a week ago.
Numerous Atletico supporters journeyed to Seville only to return home disappointed, mirroring the experiences from the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals when they fell short against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The club has yet to lift Europe’s most prestigious trophy, having previously been runners-up in 1974.
They can take a significant step towards a fourth final against Mikel Arteta’s team, coinciding with the club’s 123rd anniversary celebrations.
In their first match back at home following the setback in the Copa, Atletico’s fans were somewhat cold in their reception during the Saturday fixture against Athletic Bilbao.
“The fans don’t need messages (from me), what they need is to win,” remarked Simeone, Atletico’s most illustrious manager, in Seville.
However, by the end of the thrilling 3-2 victory over Athletic, which marked only their second win in the last nine outings across all competitions, the atmosphere had lifted considerably.
“We have to bounce back from that blow and give everything to reach the final,” urged key striker Julian Alvarez on Monday.
The encounter against Arsenal presents an opportunity for immediate redemption, and by Wednesday, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, reminiscent of the frenzied environment during the quarter-final triumph over Barcelona.
While Atletico may no longer be playing at the Vicente Calderon, the Metropolitano stadium boasts an equally intense, if not louder, atmosphere thanks to its larger capacity.
Though opened in 2017, it does not yet have the history of its predecessor—building that legacy requires time and significant performances on nights like these.
“Congratulations Atletico – if you beat Arsenal, then the (anniversary) celebration will be flawless,” proclaimed Madrid newspaper AS.
The Rojiblancos boast the most passionate fans in Spain, and Simeone has called on them to provide the necessary support to give his team an advantage against the Premier League leaders.
“Atletico have faced challenges reaching the Champions League semi-finals and finals,” the coach articulated.
“Our success has been built through hard work and the unwavering support of our fans.
“We need them now more than ever, and hopefully, we can deliver what they desire on the pitch.”
Courage and Heart
In optimal conditions, Atletico have demonstrated their capacity to overpower any opponent at the Metropolitano.
They overwhelmed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, a lead that proved insurmountable, and claimed a commanding 5-2 derby victory over Real Madrid earlier in the season.
These matches, among several others, should have dispelled the notion that Simeone’s squad exclusively plays the overly cautious, defensive style that defined the initial phase of his 14-year tenure.
What remains non-negotiable, now and always for Simeone, is the team’s intensity, work ethic, competitiveness, and their ability to endure when facing tougher opponents.
“We’ve reached this stage by maintaining our competitive edge – nothing has impeded us thus far,” Simeone stated.
“Coraje y corazon” – courage and heart – is the team’s mantra, and even in offensive play, Atletico strives to inflict damage with their strength and speed.
The coach’s son, Giuliano Simeone, along with Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth are dynamic, hard-hitting attackers, while the talented talisman Antoine Griezmann also puts in a tremendous effort.
“If you don’t run, you’re coming off tomorrow,” Simeone joked recently alongside Griezmann at a press conference.
Alvarez, who hit the woodwork twice during a 4-0 league defeat to Arsenal in October, insists he is “100 percent” fit, although the absence of the energetic midfielder Pablo Barrios due to injury will be felt.
“Both teams have evolved a lot since then,” noted Llorente.
Securing the win against Athletic may just be the morale boost required for the team to head into the Arsenal match brimming with confidence.
“It’s great to win again after a tough stretch,” remarked Atletico’s all-time leading scorer Griezmann, who is set to leave the club in the summer for MLS side Orlando City.
“This match against Arsenal is incredibly important; we must remain calm and confident, knowing we can triumph…
“I’m relishing these final games here. I hope to provide something remarkable for the fans.”
As Simeone emphasised, despite all the hard work and tenacity his team exhibits, the ultimate gift they need to deliver is silverware.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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