Atlético: From Hell to Olympus in 25 Years
It’s been 25 years since that fateful May 7, 2000, and Atlético de Madrid has risen from the ashes. From fighting to be a worthy rival in the Madrid derby, now Real Madrid fears them. The Colchonero club has climbed to become the 12th highest valued soccer team, according to CNBC.
Names like Fernando Torres and Luis Aragonés were crucial in the most difficult moments, while Agüero brought quality on the field. The management of Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Ángel Gil, focused on silent growth, was also fundamental.
The arrival of Simeone in the 2011-12 season marked a before and after, culminating in historic victories at the Bernabéu and the conquest of titles. Players like Arda Turan, Villa, Diego Costa and Falcao left their mark on the team.
Atlético conquered the Europa League and the European Super Cup and also won a League title. The move to the Metropolitano, a stadium that hosted a Champions League final, symbolizes the ambition of the club. After listening to their fans, the traditional crest returned.
With more than 150,000 members and 62,000 season ticket holders, Atlético looks to the future with optimism. Simeone’s “match by match” has become a motto that defines the team’s mentality, which aspires to the highest level in each competition. The ghosts of relegation are gone; now, Atlético rubs shoulders with the elite of European football.
