Chapter 543 - 27: Three Axe Moves?
"Chen?"
"I’m more interested in Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Of course, if I had to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, I would choose Messi."
At the pre-match press conference, Diego Simeone sat there without any sign of nerves, leaning slightly forward with his arms propped on the table, looking a bit roguish.
The new Atletico Madrid coach showed no fear on his face, as if Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were teams on the same level.
When the reporters mentioned the main players in the Real Madrid team, Simeone still appeared unimpressed.
This kind of performance left many people surprised.
It’s important to know that before the match, no one believed Atletico Madrid could come away unscathed from this game, and Diario AS even openly joked that this match for Real Madrid might be as easy and relaxing as a game in the park.
They knew the game might encounter some difficult and exciting moments, which was precisely what attracted them to the park, but ultimately, they were sure to have a wonderful day.
These comments weren’t without data to back them up. An entire generation of Atletico Madrid fans have grown up without seeing their team win a single Derby de Madrid.
Meanwhile, cross-town rivals Real Madrid are increasingly downplaying the importance of the Derby de Madrid because for 11 years, Real Madrid hasn’t lost to Atletico Madrid.
Or you could say, Atletico Madrid simply doesn’t have the strength to compete with Real Madrid.
Many fans believe this Derby de Madrid will be another 11 years of smiling for Real Madrid and disappointment for Atletico Madrid.
They believe Real Madrid controls the Derby de Madrid with ease, the team exudes authority and intelligence, possessing distinctive characteristics and stability that Atletico Madrid lacks, while Real Madrid appears composed, Atletico Madrid suffers, both in football and the players’ psychology, because in both aspects, Atletico Madrid is far behind Real Madrid.
Mourinho’s team moves like a tornado, overthrowing everything obstructing it with an irresistible force.
Some even confidently claim that in less than 20 minutes, Real Madrid could score 2 or even 3 goals, settling the derby’s fate.
They believe that from the coach to the players, Real Madrid comprehensively suppresses Atletico Madrid.
Moreover, many think Mourinho won’t lose this match because as long as he wins or at least doesn’t lose this game,
then Mourinho will become one of the four distinguished managers to enter the "sacred hall" of Real Madrid.
He will stand alongside Di Stefano, Mirkhaniqi, and Capello as an unbeaten Real Madrid coach in the first ten rounds of the season.
Since October 30, 1999, Real Madrid hasn’t lost to Atletico Madrid, maintaining an 18-match unbeaten streak in the Derby de Madrid, including 12 wins and 6 draws. Real Madrid winning the Derby de Madrid is no longer news; Real Madrid is becoming increasingly dominant, and Atletico Madrid increasingly disappoints.
This is also a key reason for the recent decline in attention to the Derby de Madrid, as fans feel the matches are losing excitement.
Spain’s World Newspaper mocked that the Derby de Madrid increasingly resembles a period movie; despite intense shootouts, back and forth, but in the end, the "whites" always win.
Time quickly reached match day, and the starting lineups for both teams were announced.
Real Madrid adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Casillas
Defenders: Ramos, Cavaleiro, Pepe, Marcelo
Defensive Midfielders: Khedira, Xabi Alonso
Midfielders: Kaka, Chen Zhong, C. Ronaldo
Forward: Negredo
Although Mourinho’s words showed some disdain for Atletico Madrid before the match, the starting lineup suggests he still took the opponent seriously.
Atletico Madrid used a 4-4-2 formation
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defenders: Luis Felipe, Godin, Pereira, Barrella
Midfielders: Reyes, Suarez, Thiago, Simao
Forwards: Aguero, Fernando
Godin, who was declared unlikely to play due to injury, still appeared on the starting list, and on Atletico Madrid’s bench, there were strong players like Diego Costa and Raul Garcia.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The white sea of people gathered into harmony, while Atletico Madrid’s fans lacked a certain passion. Perhaps, in their view, this was a foregone defeat, and they came here to face it together with the team.
"Honestly."
"I just hope they can play with a bit more fighting spirit."
"Don’t even think about it, just look at how they have been, and now this new coach, Simeone?"
"Alright! Yes, seems to be that name. What kind of game could he lead the team to play? He doesn’t even recognize all the players."
"He even provoked Real Madrid before the match. God! I really hope the other side shows mercy, I don’t want to lose too badly."
Atletico Madrid’s fans lack passion, and Real Madrid’s fans are also uninterested, because they know well, this is just another dull match that, after ninety minutes, Real Madrid will win again.