In an unforgettable Madrid derby, Atlético Madrid secured a stunning 5-2 victory over their city rivals, Real Madrid. The historic win on Saturday marked the first time in 75 years that Atlético had scored five goals against them. The result was so significant that manager Diego Simeone was seen in tears of joy on the bench as the match came to a close.
🙏 An Emotional and “Wonderful” Win
After a challenging start to the season with only one win in their first six games, this victory meant a great deal to the team. Simeone shared that he felt a lot of emotions, calling the experience “wonderful.” He explained that the result was a reward for the hard work that many people put in behind the scenes, especially when the team was not getting the results they wanted.
🎯 A Smart Game Plan
Simeone praised his team for their excellent execution of their game plan against one of the world’s best teams. He revealed their strategy was to attack from the sides using the speed of players like Nico Gonzalez, Pablo Barrios, and Julian Alvarez. This approach was designed to pull Real Madrid’s central defenders out of position, creating space and opportunities for striker Alexander Sorloth. Simeone felt that despite conceding two goals, his team performed very well overall.
⭐ Special Praise for Julian Alvarez
The manager gave special mention to Julian Alvarez, who scored two goals and was a key player in the victory. Simeone highlighted Alvarez’s commitment, talent, and hard work. He praised him not just for his attacking contributions but also for his dedication to helping the team defensively. “We need him, we have to take care of him, and hopefully he can stay with the club for many years,” Simeone added.
💪 Staying Positive and Looking Forward
Reflecting on the team’s early struggles, Simeone asked for patience, noting that integrating many new players takes time. He pointed out that eight new players joined this season and seven arrived last year, making it difficult to find consistency right away. Despite the slow start, Simeone believes the team is now on the right track. “By working hard and believing in what we do, I think things will turn out well,” he concluded. This win moves Atlético up to fourth place in the league standings.
