Atlético: Historic Comebacks that Inspire

Atlético de Madrid, always a fighter, has given us epic comebacks. A perfect example is the 2015-16 season, where Cholo Simeone’s team demonstrated its grit and ambition. On matchday 28, Atlético was 8 points behind Barcelona, a considerable distance that seemed insurmountable.

However, faith and hard work paid off. With a spectacular reaction, Atlético strung together important victories, driven by the talent of players like Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres. Matchday 31 was key, with a 5-1 thrashing of Betis at the Vicente Calderón.

Pressure increased on Barcelona, who stumbled on several occasions. On matchday 32, Atlético defeated Espanyol, while Barcelona was defeated by Real Sociedad.

The distance was reduced to just three points! The epic culminated on matchday 33: Atlético caught up with Barcelona in first place after beating Granada, while the Catalan team fell to Valencia. Both teams had 76 points, with Real Madrid lurking.

Although the title ultimately did not materialize, the demonstration of character and the ability to come back from behind by Atlético left an indelible mark on the memory of the fans. As Simeone says, the last games are what decide the season, and Atlético will always be there, fighting to the end.

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Simeone Recharges Batteries for the End of the Season

Diego Simeone, the charismatic coach of Atlético de Madrid, has shared how he overcame the tough blows suffered after the defeat against Barcelona and the elimination from the Champions League.

The Argentinian coach downplayed both results, pointing out that only the defeat against Barcelona was truly painful, while the elimination in the Champions League was a victory followed by elimination.

Simeone admitted feeling “screwed” after these setbacks, especially due to the match against Barcelona, where he believes the team did not deserve to lose. He acknowledged the great effort made by his players against Barcelona, but lamented that the rival’s capacity ended up overcoming them.

To recharge his batteries and face the final stretch of the season with optimism, Simeone traveled to Argentina to reunite with his family and connect with his roots. This trip allowed him to renew his strength and return with renewed enthusiasm to lead the team.

With his sights set on the ten remaining league matches and the return of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Simeone and his pupils are preparing to give their all on the field. The goal is to add as many points as possible in La Liga and fight for a place in the Copa del Rey final, which will be held in La Cartuja.

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Azpilicueta, leader and advisor at Atlético

Cholo Simeone has an ace up his sleeve for the next match against Espanyol: César Azpilicueta. The veteran defender could occupy the left-back position, displacing Galán and Reinildo, and his influence on the team goes far beyond his performance on the field.

Simeone spares no praise for Azpilicueta, describing him as an ’extraordinary’ player and, surprisingly, as ‘a coach within a group of footballers.’ The Argentine coach greatly values Azpilicueta’s ability to analyze the game and his strategic vision, recognizing that his advice has been instrumental in improving the coaching staff.

‘Many of the things he has told us have helped us to improve as a coaching staff,’ Simeone admitted, highlighting the player’s importance in the locker room and his positive impact on the team.

Despite not being an undisputed starter since his arrival at Atlético, Azpilicueta has proven to be a valuable asset both on and off the field. His experience and leadership are a breath of fresh air for the team, and his possible starting role against Espanyol is a testament to the confidence that Simeone places in him. Without a doubt, having a player like Azpilicueta, capable of contributing both on the field and in the team’s strategy, is a great advantage for Atlético.

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Simeone: Renewed Optimism and Energy After the Challenge

Diego Pablo Simeone, in the preview of the match against Espanyol, radiated optimism and confidence in his team. El Cholo highlighted the importance of Azpilicueta as a true leader within the locker room, valuing his vision and contribution to the team.

He acknowledged the difficulty of LaLiga, where each match is a battle, and minimized the importance of the initial matches, arguing that the last five matches are decisive. Simeone praised the good form of the players who participated with their national teams, highlighting the boost of morale that this means for the group.

In particular, he had words of recognition for Giuliano, highlighting his growth, humility and predisposition. He also referred to the absence of Koke, underlining his importance as captain and key figure, even in the minutes he can play.

Analyzing the recent matches against Barcelona and Real Madrid, Simeone minimized the defeat against Barcelona. The Colchoneros coach emphasized the team’s mental strength and its ability to recover from adversity.

Simeone revealed that he had returned to Argentina to recharge his batteries and connect with his roots, seeking the motivation necessary to face the rest of the season with maximum intensity and ambition. The Metropolitano is preparing for an exciting end to the season, with a renewed team ready to give it their all.

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Espanyol prepares for a wounded Atlético

Espanyol’s coach, Manolo González, has expressed his confidence in the ‘perico’ team ahead of the crucial match against Atlético de Madrid. Despite acknowledging the potential of their rival, González assures that his team fears no one and feels capable of securing victory at home.

The coach downplays the recent refereeing scandal suffered by Espanyol, focusing on maintaining the concentration of his players in the face of any adversity. ‘We hope it doesn’t happen again.

My job with the players has been to remove that pressure from their heads (due to fear of bad refereeing),’ Manolo explained. González downplays the importance of Atlético’s recent results, arguing that both a victory and a defeat make them equally dangerous.

He highlights the need to adapt to the opponent’s game and exploit their weaknesses, trusting in Espanyol’s ability to compete at the highest level. In addition, he values the unconditional support of the fans, considering it a key factor in turning the stadium into a fortress.

‘The fans are the extra player we have compared to the rival,’ he stated. The coach expects a different game from the first leg and praises Diego Simeone’s career, recognizing his great quality as a coach.

González is confident that, if his team enters the match with the right attitude, they will have a chance to defeat Atlético and bring joy to the ‘perica’ fans. ‘What worries me most is how we enter the match, if we do it as we should, we have options to beat the rival and that the people of Espanyol can go home happy.’

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Atlético Heads to Barcelona with Full Force!

Great news from the Metropolitano, Colchoneros! Cholo Simeone has led a training session with the entire squad, the infirmary is empty! After the return of the Argentinian and Uruguayan internationals, the team is preparing thoroughly for the next match.

Although Ángel Correa will be out due to suspension after his expulsion against Getafe, the rest of the team is ready to give their all on the field. Friday’s training was characterized by dynamic and fun exercises, culminating in the rehearsal of the starting eleven.

Simeone seems to have a clear idea of his bet: Oblak will defend the goal, with a defense formed by Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, and Azpilicueta. The midfield will be led by Giuliano, Barrios, Gallagher, and Lino, while Griezmann and Sorloth will seek to penetrate the rival goal.

Although the South American internationals were not part of the starting eleven in Thursday’s training, their return adds depth and quality to the team. Internal competition is red-hot, and each player is ready to fight for a place in the starting eleven. With the infirmary empty and an unbreakable team spirit, Atlético travels to Barcelona with high morale and the firm conviction to add three vital points. Aúpa Atleti!

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Correa: Appeal Upholds Suspension

The Appeals Committee has ratified the five-match suspension imposed on Ángel Correa after his expulsion in the Copa del Rey match against Getafe. The sanction is due to the terms in which the player addressed referee Cuadra Fernández after seeing the red card.

The referee’s report verbatim recorded the player’s words, considered serious insults. Despite the arguments presented by Atlético de Madrid, the Appeals Committee dismissed the appeal, maintaining the initial sanction.

The club cited the tension of the moment and a possible state of extreme nervousness on Correa’s part, but the Committee considered that these circumstances do not justify or mitigate the use of offensive expressions directed at the referee.

Although the conciliatory attitude shown by the player on social media was positively valued, these statements were not considered as a spontaneous repentance with attenuating effect according to the disciplinary regulations.

From the club it is considered that there is no manifest error in the record and the appeal ratifies the insult by the Argentinian player. Despite this setback, the club hopes to exhaust all possible avenues to defend our player. Now, Atlético de Madrid has the option of appealing the decision to the TAD, seeking to reduce the sanction imposed on Correa. We trust in the claw and fighting spirit that characterize our team to overcome this obstacle!

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Atlético: Goalscoring Return After the Break

Atlético de Madrid returns to LaLiga this Saturday, visiting Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. The international break has left some Rojiblancos players in great shape, ready to contribute their quality to Simeone’s team.

Although the starting eleven may be affected by the participation of some players with their national teams, morale is high after the good results obtained. Julián Alvarez returns as one of the most outstanding players, leading Argentina in the absence of key figures.

His crucial assist against Uruguay and his goal against Brazil have elevated his status, even generating comparisons with future Ballon d’Or winners.

Giuliano Simeone also shone with Albiceleste, scoring an important goal against Brazil in the second half, a goal he will seek to celebrate in the match against Espanyol, where he is expected to start in his usual position as right inside.

Alexander Sorloth arrives with his aim finely tuned, after scoring in both matches with Norway, demonstrating his goalscoring instinct. Ángel Correa also joined the list of scorers during the break, scoring in the friendly against Argentina U-20, demonstrating that he is ready to contribute to the Colchonero attack. In summary, Atlético returns to the competition with several plugged-in players eager to demonstrate their worth, promising an exciting match against Espanyol.

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UEFA Investigation: Will it Affect Real Madrid Against Arsenal?

UEFA has opened an investigation into four Real Madrid players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos, and Vinícius Júnior) for controversial celebrations after eliminating Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano, during the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

This investigation arises from allegations presented by Atlético de Madrid regarding the proposed financial sanction by UEFA. Among the actions pointed out are gestures from Rüdiger, Ceballos, Mbappé, and Vinicius directed at the stands.

Possible sanctions for Real Madrid players range from financial fines to match suspensions. At Atlético de Madrid, they recall precedents such as the sanction of Diego Pablo Simeone with 20,000 euros for a similar gesture in a match against Juventus.

Sanctions against Merih Demiral in the European Championship and Rodrigo Hernández and Álvaro Morata for shouts during the European Championship celebrations are also mentioned. This investigation could affect Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal. It is speculated that Antonio Rüdiger is the player most likely to receive a sanction for his gesture towards the Metropolitano crowd.

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Reunion at the RCDE Stadium: A match still remembered

Atlético de Madrid returns to the RCDE Stadium, the scene of a match that still generates controversy in the Perico memory. That match, played 675 days ago, remains a matter of debate due to the validity given to a Griezmann goal that marked a turning point for Espanyol.

In the 44th minute, with Atlético already in the lead, Pacheco, then Espanyol’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save from a Griezmann shot. However, moments later, the referee, at the request of VAR, awarded the second goal to Atlético, a result that influenced the development of the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Luis García, Espanyol’s coach at the time, expressed his frustration at the lack of clear images confirming whether the ball had completely crossed the goal line. The club challenged the match, requesting its annulment, a request that even Simeone, Atlético’s coach, supported.

Despite the dismissal of the challenge by the Competition Committee, Espanyol took the case to ordinary justice, presenting new evidence questioning the referee’s decision. The club argued that the VAR referee provided insufficient images to verify the validity of the goal, with even evidence indicating its non-existence. This episode remains an open wound for Espanyol fans, especially after recent controversial refereeing performances.

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