Atlético: The Giant Killer No One Saw Coming
Atlético de Madrid, under Simeone’s guidance, had a memorable Champions League season last year, leaving Inter Milan in the dust, a team that would later reach the final in two of the last three years. A milestone that may not have received the recognition it deserves.
Let’s remember that epic round of 16 tie. After falling 1-0 in the first leg in Milan, the Metropolitano witnessed a magical night. Inter took the lead, but Atlético’s fighting spirit responded with goals from Griezmann and Memphis Depay, forcing a penalty shootout where Oblak emerged as the hero.
That victory becomes even more relevant when analyzing Inter’s subsequent trajectory, establishing itself as one of the greats in Europe. Interestingly, that Atlético was very different from the current one.
Players like Savic, Hermoso, Saúl, Morata and Memphis, key pieces then, are now looking for their place in other teams. Others, like Witsel, Riquelme and Azpilicueta, although still at the club, do not enjoy as many minutes.
Despite this, that eleven led by Oblak, with names like Molina, Llorente, Koke and De Paul, achieved the feat of eliminating an Inter that has remained faithful to its core and its coach, Simone Inzaghi. A success that demonstrates Simeone’s ability to compete at the highest level, even reinventing himself with different squads. Undoubtedly, a Champions League to remember and a Cholo who always shows up against the greats.
