Despite losing some of their biggest stars over the past few years, Real Madrid has continued their dominance year after year. Perhaps the biggest void was when Los Bancos’ all time top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Juventus. Or at least that’s what fans initially would have thought. But the team has done a tremendous job growing out of the vast shadow cast by Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Iker Casillas amongst other icons who donned Real Madrid’s white. Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone, whose side came agonizingly close to beating Real Madrid to win the 2013/14 Champions League, praised the side during an interview revealing the reason behind their consistent success.
In recent months, Diego Simeone and his men have emerged as Los Blancos’ kryptonite. In the last clash between the two sides, Atletico completely neutralized Real Madrid’s attacking threat, bagging a 4-2 win. The Rojiblancos will look for a similar result this Sunday.
El Cholo lauds Florentino Perez for Real Madrid’s success
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The Atletico Madrid boss was present with ESPN for an exclusive interview where he touched down on numerous topics. While discussing his team’s recent results against Real Madrid, Simeone talked about Los Blancos’ success in recent years. “First they have an excellent coach. He manages the group very well. They have a strong president in Florentino who operates a club that is the best in the world.”
Simeone then continued praising the Real Madrid president for holding the fort down despite losing some of the biggest players in the club’s history. “I admire him for how he continues to demand that those playing for the club compete. Ramos leaves, he goes. Cristiano is going, he is gone. Benzema goes, he goes. Casillas leaves, he leaves but the club keeps going. Why because they manage it and deal with it in an exemplary way.”
Atletico Madrid will look to keep the mental pressure over Real Madrid as they travel to Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday. The Rojiblancos will be high on momentum following their win over Madrid last week and will look to go two-in-two against their arch-rivals.
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Los Rojiblancos look to stun Real Madrid at home who are chasing a 36th league title
Diego Simeone once again displayed why his side is Real Madrid’s biggest competition this season. The side put a break on Madrid’s red hot run last month handing them a 4-2 defeat. Atletico Madrid did not allow Jude Bellingham to play freely throughout the clash, keeping the player in a controlled marking. Their efforts paid off, as they were able to stop the Englishman from dominating the midfield.
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The side will once again look to employ the same tactics as they search for a win against their rivals away from home. Should Simeone’s men win, not only will they upset the Los Blancos home fans but also close the gap to 7 points with Real Madrid currently atop the table. Carlo Ancelotti and his men will have to bring out their best game this Sunday to retaliate against Atletico’s threat. While many expected the Rojiblancos to sit back and play on a counter, the side came in all guns blazing in the last game, leaving Real Madrid in the dust. It will be interesting to see if Diego Simeone employs the same tactics once again, or he was some new trick up his sleeve.
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