The Madrid Derby has been reignited during the last years, especially since the end of 2011 when Simeone started in charge as the coach of Atletico Madrid. In fact, in 2013 the team managed by the Argentinian was capable to win against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at the Bernabeu. In doing so, the 'Rojiblacos' finished a period of 14 years without defeating their rivals.
And yet, Atletico have kept growing up, and between 2014 and 2017, they reached two finals of the Champions League and were eliminated in semifinals and the quarterfinals in the other two seasons.
Unfortunately for them, Real Madrid was the team who truncated their European dreams in those four years. Certainly, the cruelest of the fates for Simeone's team.
But apart from the defeat in the final of 2016, when even the charismatic Argentinian conceded that it was a moment too painful that he was thinking in leaving the team, Atletico have never surrendered in their pursuit of keeping remaining among the best teams in the continent.
Without Ronaldo and Zidane
For the fifth year in a row, Real and Atletico will face in Europe in their seventh match since 2014. The other three Madrid Derby were played in the European Cup of 1959 when Real also won the draw and reached the final of that year.
Despite all the victories from Real in the ties, those matches have usually been decided in the last minutes, and famously remembered is the goal scored by Sergio Ramos in the 93rd minute to equalize the final of 2014. But this time, arguably the best player in Real Madrid history won't be there.
After nine years playing with the Spanish team and four Champions League among other titles, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to leave the club.
Just a few weeks before him, Zidane had done the same, after winning the European Cup three times in a row. And without signing any high mediatic player to replace the Portuguese, the uncertainty still remains in what Real Madrid will do in the season.
Atletico and the Champions League
Simeone's side has been considered as the best in the history of Atletico Madrid, and still, they have to win the most precious trophy.
Thus, the 'Rojiblancos' are the only team to have lost three finals in the tournament without winning the cup.
But considering the huge spending done by the club to retain Griezmann, and signing players such as Lemar or Gelson Martins to reinforce an already superbly competitive squad, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Spanish team reached the last stages of the Champions League.
Apart from that, the final of the competition will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano, the modern new stadium of Atletico Madrid. For them, it would be an unforgettable achievement to lift the cup in their city among their supporters. Firstly, they may show their strength against their archrivals, the ones that have denied them the glory many times.
