Comeback at the Metropolitano: Keys to Rojiblanca Hope
After the 2-1 defeat at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Atlético de Madrid is preparing for a decisive match at home.
Despite the adverse result, the Rojiblanca fans have reasons to believe in a comeback, based on historical data and the characteristic spirit of Simeone’s team. With Cholo in charge, Atlético has overcome three of the four European ties in which they had to overcome an adverse result of one goal in the first leg.
Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona and Inter Milan witnessed the team’s ability to react. The only exception was against Manchester City, where the team came close to forcing extra time at the Metropolitano.
Historically, Atlético has come back in eleven of the seventeen occasions in which they faced this situation in European competitions. On the other hand, Real Madrid does not have good numbers when they have to defend a minimal advantage obtained at the Bernabéu in Champions League second leg matches.
Of five occasions, they only managed to advance in one, against Bayern Munich in 2014. The elimination of the double value of away goals, a rule that previously hurt them, now benefits Atlético, who managed to score at the Bernabéu. With these data and the unconditional support of the fans, the Metropolitano is preparing for a magical night in search of qualification.
