Copa del Rey: A Historical Boost for Atlético
The Copa del Rey has historically been a key tournament for Atlético de Madrid, acting as a catalyst in difficult times. Santi Denia and Diego Godín recall how the Copa boosted the team in the past.
Denia remembers the semi-final won against Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season, while Godín highlights the final won at the Bernabéu in 2013 as a turning point that allowed them to compete head-to-head with the big teams.
Beyond the ten titles that adorn the Metropolitano’s showcases, the Copa has been a balm in complicated seasons. Even in the year of relegation, the team reached the final after brilliantly defeating Barcelona at the Calderón.
Denia points out that the current situation could be similar to that one, where the Copa offered the opportunity to fight for a title when LaLiga was not going well. Godín remembers the 2013 final against the eternal rival at the Bernabéu as a milestone, where the preparation transcended the tactical and focused on the psychological. He recalls an anecdote in which the coaching staff urged them to ’take ownership of the field’ during the previous training session at the rival stadium. With this spirit, the Atléticos hope that the Copa del Rey can be a new turning point this season.
