Atlético Responds with Irony in the Derby Build-up
Atlético de Madrid has once again used humor and irony to prepare for the derby against Real Madrid. Following an initial statement where they asked the RAE for help in defining verbs like ‘pressure’ or ‘intimidate’, the red-and-white team published a two-part manual with basic instructions for the match.
The first page included tips such as ‘good physical preparation’, ‘pre-match massage’, and ‘detailed analysis of the opponent’, as well as a clear reference to media pressure with ‘use your official TV channel to pressure referees’.
The second part of the manual continued with instructions like ’lawn maintenance’, ’lighting test’, and ’locker room preparation’, ending with a message criticizing the use of ‘friendly journalists’ to spread delusions. These publications reflect Atlético’s frustration at what they consider a pressure campaign against referees and opponents, similar to what Miguel Ángel Gil Marín denounced after the Copa del Rey derby.
