Almost every single season, Atletico Madrid participates in the verbal exchange when we reach the end of the Champions League business. And each and every season – without fail – the Spanish aspect manages to fail.
But as we venture towards the end of this strange European adventure, all the symptoms imply that things are being done differently. What could be more than the Diego Simeone team that nevertheless lifts the outstanding European Cup?
The coronavirus caused chaos in this year’s tournament, and the last 16 games did not end until last week, six months after the circular began in February.
So, despite everything, we reached the quarter-finals, the festival was forced to end with a mini-tour in Lisbon, back by COVID 19.
So far, so different.
Then we climbed the first outings of Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Serie A champion Juventus, and Atletico’s rival Real Madrid.
A favorable draw in the last 8 means also at home the heavyw8s of Barcelona or Bayern Munich, as well as the favourites of the Manchester City tournament, until the final, if they get there.
The omen is clear that this may be the year in which the 3 defeated finalists will take the final step to be crowned European champions. The Atletico even dodged a bullet when two of them tested positive for coronavirus. Fortunately, the rest of the team was able to go to Lisbon.
But the first is his quarter-finals on Thursday night. They face an RB Leipzig team stripped of their brilliant talent, Timo Werner, who has left to sign for Chelsea. From now on, the Germans will have to turn to game creator and goalscorer Marcel Sabitzer if they want to get the best out of the Atleti. The Austrian has scored four Champions League goals this season and has scored many more. However, it would have been a big challenge even with Werner, and now it’s colossal.
Remember, Simeone’s men represented Liverpool’s protective champions when they won 3–2 at Anfield.
“The match against Liverpool will go into history and will be one of the most productive we’ve had in a long time,” said Atletico striker Diepass Costa. “This has given enthusiasts wonderful expectations and we will do our best to verify and meet those expectations. I hope we play well and luck stays on our side.
All the groups want luck and Atletico is going to shovel it this campaign.
JuevesRB Leipzig – Atletico Madrid23hEstadio Jose AlvaladeMatch broadcast by beIN Sports
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