Home ›› 23 Feb 2022 ›› Sport
If winning La Liga caused Atletico Madrid to soften their edge or lose their identity, a Champions League tie against Manchester United could be a chance for them to get it back.
Atletico rallied against AC Milan in the group stage at the San Siro, coming from a goal down to win 2-1, Luis Suarez scoring a penalty in the 96th minute.
After losing at home to Mallorca, they prevailed in an all or nothing match against Porto in Lisbon, a fiery 3-1 win dragging them into the Champions League last 16.
Every time, momentum has been fleeting, after every comeback, they lost at least one of their next two games. Whenever Atletico have looked close to rediscovering themselves, they have just as quickly drifted again off course.
“Last season, games started and we would bite,” said Jose Gimenez. “This year, I think we’ve eased off.”
After beating Osasuna on Saturday, Simeone was asked if the win could be a spur for the meeting with Manchester United at the Wanda Metropolitano.
“Everything helps,” he said. “No year is the same, in football or in life. There are always obstacles and that’s what we have now, a test. Let’s see if we’re up to it.”
