Atletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone admitted that Real Madrid has the more decorated history in European football but insisted that his team still has a chance to create their own legacy as they prepare for their Champions League last-16 derby clash on Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Real Madrid, holders of a record 15 Champions League titles, will host Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the knockout stage. The rivalry between the two sides has been one-sided in recent years, with Real Madrid eliminating Atletico in several high-profile Champions League encounters, including finals in 2014 and 2016, and semi-finals in 2017 and 2015.
Despite Atletico Madrid’s impressive record in La Liga and their three runners-up finishes in the Champions League, Simeone’s side has never lifted the coveted European trophy, making Real Madrid’s dominance in the competition evident. Simeone, however, has remained upbeat about his team’s potential.
In a press conference ahead of the match, Simeone was quick to acknowledge the vast history of success that Real Madrid enjoys in European football. “I always put Barcelona and Real Madrid where they are because of their history, so nothing has changed,” Simeone stated. “They both have a tremendous history, and we are pure growth, which is very nice.”
However, the Argentine coach also noted that Atletico Madrid has a significant opportunity to make history of their own. “As we always relate situations to history, and history exists, Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League is extraordinary, and tomorrow we have a big opportunity,” Simeone added. “We have the chance to write a new story.”
While the historical context looms large over the matchup, Atletico Madrid is currently in the midst of a tightly contested La Liga title race. They are second in the Spanish league, just one point behind Barcelona and two points ahead of their Madrid counterparts. However, Simeone stressed that Atletico’s domestic campaign would not affect their approach to the Champions League tie.
“I see a game with a lot of respect against a great opponent, and I think they respect us in the same way,” Simeone said. “I think all the previous games will have no impact at all, this is the Champions League.”
Simeone continued to emphasize the uniqueness of the competition, saying, “If we played against a team that wasn’t in our league, we would not get into that… I think for the city, for Madrid, it’s spectacular that Atletico and Real Madrid are facing off.” The tie is expected to be a spectacle, showcasing one of the fiercest rivalries in European football.
Real Madrid’s ability to shine in the Champions League contrasts with Atletico’s near-misses, and Simeone’s men will be aiming to break their duck and go one step further in Europe’s premier competition. With the intense rivalry and high stakes, the clash is set to be a thrilling encounter.
