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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Barça, King of Cups: An Unstoppable Legacy

FC Barcelona stands as the undisputed master of the Copa del Rey, treasuring an impressive record of 31 titles, a figure that consolidates its dominance in this prestigious competition.

The last cry of culé jubilation in the Copa echoed in the 2020-21 season, when the blaugrana team displayed its power against Athletic Club with a resounding 0-4 in Seville. Barça’s history in the Copa is a tale of constant success, reaching the final on 42 occasions and lifting the trophy in 74% of them.

Over the years, emblematic figures have left their mark on the culé bench, guiding the team to Copa glory. Coaches such as Jack Greenwell, Ferdinand Daučík and Luis Enrique, each in their time, won the hearts of the fans with their winning strategies and their passion for the club.

Others such as Helenio Herrera and Pep Guardiola also managed to add two titles each. Barcelona’s golden years in the Copa del Rey extend throughout the decades, from the first triumphs at the dawn of the 20th century to the modern era. The club’s trophy cabinet proudly displays the trophies won in the seasons 1909-10, 1911-12, 1912-13, 1919-20, 1921-22, 1924-25, 1925-26, 1927-28, 1941-42, 1950-51, 1951-52, 1952-53, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1967-68, 1970-71, 1977-78, 1980-81, 1982-83, 1987-88, 1989-90, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, a testament to Barça’s indelible legacy in the Copa del Rey.

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Griezmann to the Rescue: Key Against Barcelona

Atlético de Madrid needs Antoine Griezmann at his best to overcome Barcelona. Simeone fully trusts the Frenchman’s talent, highlighting his creativity and hierarchy, and hopes he will be decisive in the upcoming match.

El Cholo has publicly praised Griezmann, acknowledging that, although all players have ups and downs, the forward’s genius is essential for the team. Griezmann will form in the attack alongside Julián Alvarez, seeking to unbalance the culé defense.

The match presents several challenges for the Frenchman, who has yet to score against Barcelona at the Metropolitano. Despite this, Griezmann has demonstrated his scoring ability against Barça in other matches, adding four goals in total.

Griezmann is a pillar in Simeone’s scheme, being the second player with the most minutes played this season, only surpassed by Oblak. So far, he has scored 16 goals in all competitions: eight in La Liga, six in the Champions League, and two in the Copa del Rey.

Although he has been without scoring for some time, his last goal was precisely against Barcelona on February 25. Atlético needs Griezmann to regain his best level, not only in the scoring facet but also in his participation in the team’s play. With sights set on the Copa del Rey final, Griezmann is motivated to finish the season with a title and continue to be a key player in the club’s future.

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Simao: The Portuguese Idol Who Dazzled at Atleti

Simao Sabrosa, a name etched in gold in the history of Atlético de Madrid. After his fleeting spell at Barcelona, the Portuguese winger arrived at the Metropolitano in 2007 to become an undisputed benchmark.

His signing, along with that of Diego Forlán, revitalized a team that needed new figures after Fernando Torres’ departure. Simao quickly won the hearts of the fans thanks to his speed, technique, and, above all, his exceptional set-piece ability.

During his three and a half seasons as a Rojiblanco, Simao demonstrated grit and talent, contributing important goals in La Liga and in European competitions. His commitment and charisma made him a leader on and off the pitch, even wearing the captain’s armband.

One of the most memorable moments was his decisive free-kick in the Copa del Rey comeback against Recreativo, a magical night that will be etched in the memory of Atlético fans.

Simao was a fundamental part of the team that conquered the Europa League and the European Super Cup, titles that marked an era and demonstrated the club’s growth. After his time in Turkey and his brief return to La Liga with Espanyol, Simao retired leaving an indelible legacy at Atleti. Today, his plaque around the Metropolitano is a tribute to his career and the affection that the Rojiblanca fans have for him. A player who undoubtedly left his mark on the hearts of all Atlético fans.

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Atlético to the Death: Decisive Night in the Cup

The Metropolitano is preparing for a heart-stopping night in the Copa del Rey. Atlético de Madrid faces Barcelona in a crucial match where there is no room for error. After a vibrant first leg, where both teams showed their offensive power, the fate of the Rojiblancos in the competition is decided in this single match.

Atleti seeks to relive old cup glories, recalling that victory in 2013 with Simeone and Koke against the eternal rival at the Bernabéu. Griezmann, the team’s standard-bearer and with scores to settle against his former team, needs to find his best form to lead the Colchoneros’ offense.

De Paul, key in the transitions, and a Julian in a state of grace will be fundamental to overcome a Barça in great shape. El Cholo is considering the starting eleven, looking for the formula to counteract the Culé’s power and ensure the pass to the final.

After an irregular streak, Atleti needs to find its best version again, the one that allowed it to chain fifteen consecutive victories. A victory against Barcelona would not only mean a pass to the Copa final, but also an opportunity to heal recent wounds and lift a title that would revitalize the team and its fans. The Metropolitano becomes the perfect stage to write a new chapter in the Rojiblanca history.

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Atleti: Maximum Concentration to Receive Barça

FC Barcelona has modified its logistics for the match in the capital, prioritizing comfort and minimizing travel. Instead of the traditional Hotel Intercontinental, the Culé team will stay at the Hilton at Barajas Airport, just 10 minutes from the Metropolitano.

This decision, according to club sources, seeks to optimize the team’s rest and preparation before the crucial match. The Blaugrana expedition will land in Madrid shortly before one o’clock in the afternoon on a charter flight, and then head to the hotel to finalize the details before the clash.

It is expected that after the match, Barcelona will return immediately to the Condal City, landing in the early hours of Thursday. This change in the visiting team’s routine highlights the importance they attach to the match against our Atleti. We are confident that our team will know how to take advantage of this situation and give us a memorable victory in the Metropolitano! The Rojiblanca fans are preparing to cheer tirelessly and demonstrate once again why we are the best fans in the world. Aúpa Atleti!

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