For decades, Real Madrid has always been Atletico Madrid's biggest rival. And in the past 10 years, the name that belongs to Real that Atletico hates the most is Ronaldo.
The home team at Vicente Calderon (old) has repeatedly prepared to reach the continental glory but has been defeated by CR7. Under Diego Simeone, the red-white half of Madrid have reached the Champions League final twice but lost both times to Ronaldo's Los Blancos (2014 and 2016). The times CR7 kicked the ball into the net all on the penalty spot, Atletico's bitterness was further enhanced.
The biggest nightmare for Griezmann and his teammates is the first leg of the Champions League semi-final 2 years ago. In a miraculous day, the Bo superstar fell into the opponent's net 3 goals quickly. Atletico collapsed in the first leg and once again, the name Ronaldo was deeply engraved in the hatred of fans of this team.
If Atletico are not afraid of Ronaldo, it is a denial because the 34-year-old superstar has scored 22 goals against this club. Just like Buffon once said about CR7, only by buying him can Juventus limit the number of goals conceded. "The Old Lady" played that bold move to now own one of the best strikers in history.
Ronaldo, at the age of 34, still scores regularly and he holds the record for the top scorer in the Champions League ever (121 goals). However, after 6 group stage matches, this superstar has only scored 1 goal and the determination to score is more burning than ever.
What will Atletico do to beat Ronaldo and this living legend's team? At first, the implementation is very simple, which is to score more goals than the opponent. When he was playing for Real Madrid, CR7 and Los Blancos were defeated many times by the same team in the same city. Therefore, if they cannot stop Ronaldo, Atletico must do more than Juve can do. Remember, the first leg of the Madrid team will be played at home, so you have to take advantage of all the advantages.
The task is very clear, but Juve's net cannot be touched by anyone who wants to touch it. Last weekend, in a 3-0 crush on Frosione, the "Old Hammer" welcomed the return of Bonucci. This world-class center-back not only plays smoothly, he even scores to mark his comeback more than expected. Allegri's team has enough strong players with the goal of winning right on the opponent's field.
Before the match, Diego Simeone was agreed to stay until 2022. Atletico's Chinese owners are determined to build a lasting dynasty with the Argentine. Simeone's talent and experience are undeniable, having been entrusted with the responsibility, the victory over Juventus will be an impressive milestone.
Atletico's attack this season is considered stronger with the addition of Alvaro Morata from Chelsea. However, the 36 goals after 24 rounds of La Liga also made fans question how strong the Costa-Griezmann- Morata trio are to be able to penetrate the opponent's exemplary Italian defense? being at the top of the table is forever, Simeone is hoping for that in his talented players.
In a day of playing at their best, all three of Atletico's brightest stars can shoot down any net.
Juve is flying high, 54 goals after 24 rounds in Serie A are a very good goal, enough to threaten any opponent. If Ronaldo fails to score, Dybala or Mandzukic are ready to fire. While Atletico's Costa and Morata are still on the losing side, depending on their form, both Dybala and Mandzukic have shown that they are always ready.
Juve with the ambition to win the championship will play their best in any match. Meanwhile, after falling off the horse many times, Atletico also have the same determination. The first leg at Wanda Metropolitano early tomorrow morning can be considered an early final of this season.
Atletico and Juventus will meet at 3:00 am tomorrow (February 21) in the 1/8 round of the Champions League.
