Atleti Dreams of the Cup
Atlético de Madrid is gambling its season on the Copa del Rey. With La Liga practically ruled out due to the distance with FC Barcelona, Cholo Simeone’s team focuses all its energy on the KO tournament, where it sees a real opportunity to lift a title.
The road to the final goes through overcoming FC Barcelona, a rival in great shape. After two consecutive defeats in LaLiga and a considerable point disadvantage with the leader, Atleti is forced to concentrate on the Cup and the Club World Cup, although the Cup is presented as a more tangible option, since it is only two games away from glory, while the World Cup involves seven games.
The irregularity shown in the League, with only three victories in the last ten games, has distanced the team from the fight for the championship, allowing other competitors to approach in the standings.
The statements of the technical staff and the players reflect a mentality more focused on securing qualification for European competitions than on shortening distances with the leaders. Atlético has not played in a Copa del Rey final for more than a decade, specifically since 2013.
The second leg of the semi-final against FC Barcelona, which will take place at the Metropolitano, is presented as a crucial battle, with the overall score tied. This confrontation marks the eighth occasion in which both teams meet in the Cup semi-finals, with precedents favorable to Atlético in the most recent duels.
