Atlético and the Penalty Curse Against Madrid
Atlético de Madrid fell again in a penalty shootout against Real Madrid, adding their sixth defeat in these instances against their eternal rival. Despite standing their ground and demanding the best from the European champion, luck from the penalty spot once again eluded the Rojiblancos.
Marcos Llorente joined the list of players who have missed decisive penalties against Real Madrid, recalling Juanfran’s mistake in the Champions League final in Milan.
Throughout history, Atlético has played in Cup finals, Champions League finals, Super Cups and knockout rounds against Real Madrid, but has never managed to win in the penalty shootout. The story goes back to the 1978-1979 season, when García Remón frustrated the illusions of Rubén Cano and Leivinha.
Years later, Rubio and Guzmán failed in the Copa del Rey. In the 2016 Milan final, Juanfran sent his shot to the post, despite previous successes by Griezmann, Gabi and Saúl. More recently, in the 2019-2020 Super Cup, Real Madrid prevailed with a resounding 1-4 in the shootout. Despite the persistent adversity, the Rojiblancos fans remain hopeful that the team can break this streak in the future.
