Two years ago, on May 24 in Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Atletico Madrid were 120 seconds away from a champions league glory, like they were 60 seconds away in 1974. They were leading through a Diego Godin goal in 36th minute. After regulation time, the fourth official indicated that there will be five minutes extra time.
Coach Diego Simone was piqued and he debated with the official at full time before the start of added time about the timing. He was sure that too much time was added. But he took it with as it was, believing that his boys would hold on till the last whistle.
They almost did, but less down 120 minutes to that final whistle Sergio Ramos equalized for the Galaticos.
Real Madrid then went on to beat their city rivals, who looked angry, disorientated and unfocused, 4-1 to win its 10th champions league cup. No club has won more.
Like in 1974, Atletico’s dream got shattered again. Hearts were broken and the loss haunted Simone for a long time.
Tonight in Milan, Simone’s side will seek revenge against Real for that torture and devastating defeat. Many had thought the defeat would mark the end of Atletico’s rise to Europe’s elite four, especially after they also sold some of their key players. However, Simone has shown that he is a master of what he does as he quickly assembled another good team that reached another champions league final. They have also remained a force to be reckon with in the La Liga.
After a nervous second round match against Dutch club, PSV Eindhoven, which Atletico narrowly won on penalties, they went ahead and knocked out title favourites, Barcelona and Bayern in the quarter and semi finals respectively.
Some would say that who ever eliminated these two big clubs should be able to take the title. Nevertheless, Real Madrid, which has become better under coach Zidane, will do all to keep away their bitter rivals from the big boys club of champions league winners.
So who will win the battle of Milan? This is the big question soccer fans are busying themselves with in the build up to the big game tonight. It might seem that Diego Simone’s moment has finally come. Nonetheless, whether he would join the group of coaches who pride themselves as the champions league winners ,will depend on how his boys keep their zeal for revenge in check.
Unconfirmed report has it that this might be his last match as Atletico coach as he is said to be on his way to Stamford Bridge, where Guis Hiddink’s exit has left a vacancy. Probably, he may like to give the champions league trophy to Atletico as a parting gift.
Atletico did not win the La Liga this year, nevertheless they have had a good season, in which they proved that they are capable of taking care of teams like Real and Barcelona.
Kick off is at 20.45 European time. And this champions league derby, the second in two years, holds a tantalizing promise of a fight-to-finish explosive duel between some of Europe’s best players.
Real Madrid have won the champions league in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2014
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