The Metropolitano, Culé Celebration Territory

The Colchonero stronghold has witnessed the celebrations of FC Barcelona. After their league victory (2-4) a few weeks ago, a group of Blaugrana players jumped into the jacuzzi in the away dressing room of the Metropolitano to celebrate the triumph and maintain the lead.

Names like Koundé, Araújo, Iñigo Martínez, Gavi, Eric García, Raphinha, Pedri, and Casadó did not hesitate to take a good dip. The celebration was spontaneous and festive, although not the entire squad participated.

However, the recent victory in the Cup (0-1) has triggered an even bigger celebration. Almost the entire squad joined the celebration in the jacuzzi, with the notable exception of Olmo, absent due to injury. Even Casadó, with an orthopedic knee brace, was present.

On this occasion, figures such as Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Balde, Cubarsí, and Ferran Torres joined the aquatic party to celebrate the passage to the final. Casadó, for obvious reasons, and Szczesny, fully dressed, approached the pool, but did not jump in. Ansu Fati, who is not having a good season, was not present at the celebrations, as was the case after the match against Girona. The Metropolitano, an unexpected scenario for the Culé celebration.

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Atlético's Month of Ordeal: Analysis and Perspectives

Atlético de Madrid has experienced a month to forget, marked by elimination in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, in addition to practically saying goodbye to the fight for the League title. What promised to be a historic season after a great start has become a journey through the desert.

The team, which had finished the first round as winter champion and had positioned itself among the top eight in Europe, has deflated in key moments. The elimination in the Champions League against Real Madrid, with an agonizing and controversial ending in the penalty shootout, left a deep wound in the team.

The subsequent defeat against Barcelona at the Metropolitano, both in the League and in the Cup, evidenced a lack of solidity and consistency. The distance with the blaugranas in the League is considerable, and Real Madrid is also ahead, which makes the fight for the championship difficult.

Individual errors, lack of intensity and a disappointing performance in rival fields have been constant. Unnecessary penalties, key expulsions and failures from the penalty spot have weighed down the team, which has scored few points in recent matches. Despite this difficult moment, the fans are confident that the team will rise and fight with determination in the remaining competition, looking to the future and the Club World Cup.

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Atleti: Grit and Heart in the Battle

Atlético de Madrid faced Barcelona in a match that, according to their coach, was a true anticipated final. The team showed their usual dedication and fighting spirit, although the final result was not the desired one.

Despite an early goal from Ferran Torres, Atleti did not give up and sought the tie with insistence, especially in the second half of the match. The Rojiblancos pressed and demonstrated their ability to generate danger, but Barcelona’s defense managed to contain the onslaught.

The lone goal from Ferran Torres decided the match, leaving Atleti with a bitter taste. Despite the defeat, the team demonstrated their competitiveness and commitment to the fans. Atleti continues to work hard and with high morale to face the upcoming challenges of the season. This match serves as a valuable experience to continue growing and improving. Aúpa Atleti!

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Cholo: Full Confidence in the Team

Diego Simeone, true to his style, remains calm and confident in Atlético de Madrid despite the recent elimination against Barcelona. El Cholo, although he acknowledged that the team did not have a good first half, emphasized that there is no reason to apologize, arguing that in football there are times when the opponent is superior.

He highlighted the team’s reaction in the second half, where they competed and were close to a draw, recognizing the quality of the Catalan rival. Simeone highlighted the team’s great performance this season, both in the Champions League and in the Copa del Rey, and their good position in the League.

He stressed that Atlético is competing well and that the objective is to continue improving match by match to get closer to the teams that are above them in the table. He stated that the club is constantly growing, incorporating high-level players.

The Argentine coach revealed that during the break he conveyed to his players the need to show courage and take advantage of the opportunity that Barcelona had given them. When asked about the future, Simeone was firm in his commitment to work and the pursuit of continuous improvement. He concluded by reaffirming that the team is giving everything it can and that he aspires to continue competing at the highest level in the League.

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Azpilicueta escapes red card: Arbitral decision analyzed in detail

The match between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona was marked by arbitral controversy from the first minutes. A tackle by Azpilicueta on Raphinha generated controversy and lit up social networks.

In the 7th minute, the rojiblanco defender hit the Barcelona player with his studs on the calf, an action that was initially sanctioned with a yellow card by Munuera Montero. After the VAR review, the referee maintained his decision, unleashing a debate among fans and experts.

Iturralde González, a renowned referee and analyst, assessed the play on the microphones of Carrusel Deportivo. According to Iturralde, Azpilicueta’s action was worthy of a yellow card, although he acknowledged that an expulsion would not have been unreasonable either.

“It’s a yellow for Azpilicueta. Between yellow and orange. He doesn’t catch him and leave the studs on his leg, in that case we would be talking about another action. He hits him very glancingly, not fully.

Yes, if he pulls out a red, you wouldn’t say he’s gone crazy,” explained Iturralde, adding that the key lies in the fact that Azpilicueta does not make full impact with the studs and continues the travel of the foot after contact.

Munuera Montero’s final decision to maintain the yellow card for Azpilicueta generated relief among the Colchonero fans, who feared playing the rest of the match with one less man. Minutes later, De Paul was also booked for a foul on the same Raphinha. An intense match with arbitral decisions that, without a doubt, gave something to talk about.

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Cerezo: Rojiblanco Optimism and Revenge Wish

Atlético de Madrid’s president, Enrique Cerezo, expressed optimism and confidence in the hours leading up to the Copa del Rey semifinal.

In statements to the media, Cerezo voiced his desire for a final against Real Madrid, describing it as an opportunity to “redeem themselves.” Cerezo acknowledged the hard blow of the Champions League elimination but highlighted the team’s good season, pointing to their qualification for the round of 16 and their presence in the Copa del Rey semifinal.

He also emphasized that they still have options in La Liga. Looking ahead to the second leg, the president recalled that they start from scratch after the draw. He expressed confidence that the team will advance, driven by their desire and determination.

Furthermore, he praised Atlético de Madrid’s play, placing it alongside Barcelona as one of the best teams in Spain. Regarding the coach’s future, Cerezo was clear in stating that a possible failure to qualify for the Copa del Rey final would not affect his continuity. He expressed his desire for the coach to remain in charge of the team, highlighting his 13-year career and the club’s satisfaction with his work. On player registrations, Cerezo preferred not to comment, referring to La Liga’s regulations.

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Barcelona Trusts Szczesny Against Atlético

Barcelona faces the crucial match against Atlético de Madrid with optimism, aiming to advance in the Copa del Rey and keep the dream of the treble alive. After the draw in the first leg, the possibility of a penalty shootout looms, and in this scenario, confidence in Szczesny, the Polish goalkeeper, is total.

His history of saving penalties, close to 30% success, generates security in the team. Of the 68 penalties shot against him throughout his career, he has stopped 20, distributed in Juventus, AS Roma, Arsenal, Brentford, and the Polish national team, including one to Leo Messi in the Qatar World Cup.

Szczesny has had a significant impact on Barcelona since his arrival on January 4th, establishing himself as a starter after the trust placed in him by Hansi Flick in the Spanish Super Cup. Despite a somewhat shaky start, his level has been on the rise, showing the great goalkeeper he has always been.

In the 18 games played, he has conceded 17 goals and kept a clean sheet nine times, demonstrating his solidity both in LaLiga and in the cups. At the Catalan club, they are delighted with Szczesny’s performance and his continuity seems almost assured, with a renewal proposal for one year plus another optional that is close to being accepted. The goalkeeper feels comfortable in the team, enjoying football in a young and ambitious environment, with the presence of his friend Robert Lewandowski and the possibility of winning important titles. His adaptation has been excellent, and the idea of retirement can wait.

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Heading to the Metropolitano! Barça squad for Madrid

Attention, Atlético fans! The team is ready to host FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano. The Blaugrana team has announced their squad for the crucial match, and Ansu Fati’s name stands out. His inclusion in the list came after Christensen’s absence.

However, the squad also presents important absences. Dani Olmo, Marc Casadó, Marc André Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal will not be available due to injuries and other reasons. Despite these absences, the Catalan team travels to Madrid with a competitive squad determined to give their all on the field.

Players like Szczesny, Peña, Koundé, Araújo, Eric, Cubarsí, Íñigo, Balde, Frenkie, Pedri, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Fermín, Ferran, Lewandowski, Yamal, Raphinha, Fati, Pau Víctor, Kochen, Fort and Martín are part of the expedition.

The match promises to be an exciting duel, with both teams looking for victory. The Metropolitano will witness a great football show! Despite the adversities, the Culé team trusts in their talent and the unconditional support of their fans to obtain a positive result in the capital. Força Barça!

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Areso in sight: Heading to the Metropolitano?

Atlético de Madrid continues to seek reinforcements to bolster their defense, and Jesús Areso, a right-back, has emerged as an interesting option. Although Athletic Club is also interested in the player, Cholo Simeone has expressed his need for a reliable full-back, as the position has been covered by players like Marcos Llorente, originally a midfielder.

Areso, due to his price and projection, fits the profile sought by the rojiblanco coach. Atlético is considering paying the player’s release clause to incorporate him into their ranks.

The competition from Athletic is strong, especially with their participation in the Champions League, which requires them to strengthen the squad. The Bilbao club has already shown interest in other players for next season.

Despite this, Atlético could pull off a surprise and secure Areso’s services, adding a valuable asset to the right-back position and providing more tactical options for the team.

The rojiblanca board is determined to support Simeone with signings that raise the competitive level of the team and allow them to face the season’s challenges with guarantees. We will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see if Areso will wear rojiblanco at the Metropolitano. The colchoneros fans eagerly await the arrival of reinforcements that strengthen the team and allow them to continue fighting for their goals.

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Blaugrana Success: Messi and Busquets, Kings of the Cup

Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets, two Barcelona legends, share an impressive record: ten Copa del Rey finals played! This milestone makes them undisputed references in the competition, solidifying their legacy at the Catalan club.

Their success story in the Cup began in 2009, under the baton of Pep Guardiola, facing Athletic. Despite a complicated start, Barcelona prevailed with a resounding 4-1, with a goal from the Argentine star.

Although they suffered a setback in 2011 against Real Madrid, they made amends in 2012, again against Athletic, with a clear victory (3-0) and another goal from Messi. After a defeat in 2014, the team regained the path to victory at the Camp Nou against Athletic, with a memorable goal from Messi.

The Luis Enrique era further consolidated Barcelona’s dominance in the Cup, with consecutive victories in 2016 against Sevilla, 2017 against Alavés (with a goal from Messi) and 2018 again against Sevilla (with another goal from Messi).

Although they fell in 2019 against Valencia, they achieved their seventh title in 2021 in Seville against Athletic. The match will be remembered as Iniesta’s last. Messi and Busquets, true Culé icons, have left an indelible mark on the history of the Copa del Rey, demonstrating their commitment and talent in every match.

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