Simeone vs. Valverde: Clash of Titans at the Metropolitano
Atlético de Madrid is preparing for a vibrant match against Athletic Club at the Metropolitano, a duel that goes beyond the three points at stake. This is the 25th chapter of a modern classic on the LaLiga benches: the clash between Diego Pablo Simeone and Ernesto Valverde.
Two strategists with an impressive career, adding up to more than a thousand matches managed in the highest category of Spanish football. Simeone, with 504 matches in charge of Atleti, has only faced Carlo Ancelotti on more occasions.
For Valverde, this will be his 25th clash against Simeone, considering his spells at Athletic, Barcelona and Valencia. The history favors ‘Cholo’, with 13 wins against Valverde’s 6 and 5 draws.
Last season, Valverde managed to balance the scales a bit by winning three of the four duels, including a painful Copa del Rey semi-final that left Atleti out of the final. However, the last two clashes have smiled on Atlético, with victories both at home and away.
An Ángel Correa goal sealed the last victory at San Mamés. Regarding the general numbers, Simeone has won 20 of his 32 matches against Athletic, while Valverde has won 11 of 33 against Atlético. This new chapter promises to be exciting, with two teams fighting for their goals and two coaches who know each other perfectly. Aúpa Atleti!