They are the last Spanish Team standing in Europe. Ironical if you look at season 2009-2010 & realise how terrible things were for ATLETICO DE MADRID 4-5 months ago when Directives were “forced” to sack starting Coach Abel when the team hovered in the relegation positions of the Spanish League. With the arrival of current Coach Quique Sanchez Flores the “Liga” haemorrhage has been contained with the Club now in mid table positions & safe, plus they are Finalists in the upcoming Spanish Cup were they will compete against Sevilla FC for the title. Tonight the play LIVERPOOL FC in the 2º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE semi-final & start with a 1-0 goal advantage from the 1ºst leg. Atletico are one game away from reaching a European Final. The last time Atletico reached so far in Europe was back in 1986 (24 years ago) when they played Dynamo Kiev in the Final of the European Cup Winners Cup which they lost. A long time for a Club with such a long Football tradition , a Club of its size & with such a loyal fan base.
However, the endeavour at the “mythical” Anfield Stadium will not be an easy affair as Liverpool will be pushed on by their warm & supporting fans which will create an uncomfortable atmosphere for their Spanish visitors. The good news for Atletico is the return of SERGIO AGUERO up front, after he served his one match suspension in the first leg, where he will form a dangerous partnership in the forward line with Diego Forlan, Simao & Reyes.The players know they have a unique opportunity tonight, they know that their “dream” of reaching a European Final is only 90 minutes away. Tonight could be the night to wipe off a bad season & equilibrate those unexplained swings in fortune that so much leave perplexed fans & observers. It will be very difficult, Liverpool also need a victory tonight to allow them to forget their own terrible season & regain their lost confidence in themselves.
The stage is set, & from here I wish Atletico de Madrid all the luck in the World, but this time they will need more than luck, they will need to believe in themselves that they can win this game & reach the Europa League Final. They are Spanish Footballs last standing Club in Europe, an honouring feat with a huge "responsability" in representing the whole nation. Tweet
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