Feyenoord put in an impressive performance in Madrid last month but still lost to Atletico. The Spanish club, which has many similarities with the Rotterdam club, will be happy if the scenario is the same in De Kuip today. “They will wait for Feyenoord to make a mistake”
In competition with Real
Don’t underestimate it? This was certainly not the case in Madrid. “Atlético was surprised by Feyenoord’s ruthlessness, but the team does not underestimate anyone. Especially not under coach Diego Simeone,” says Edwin Winkels. “It does not allow shrinkage. “He also knows how vulnerable they are.”
The writer and journalist is often associated with FC Barcelona, but he also has a soft spot for Madrid’s second club. “Small club in the shadow of Real. Competing against bigger clubs and sometimes even surpassing them. With great trust and a loyal following.”
“Atlético has the sympathy of many people who are not Real fans,” Winkels continues. “Real is the fancy club of the rich. “Atletico has traditionally been more of a people’s club and has always managed to maintain that image.”
passion for football
Koen Greven, editor of the NRC, former Spain correspondent and author of “Fútbol, more than a religion in Spain”, has a strong soft spot for Atlético. In fact, he is a socialite of Atletico. The love started in 1993.
“I was an intern at the newspaper El País when, based on my feelings, I chose Atlético over the great Real. Then I moved to Madrid as a reporter, to a neighborhood full of Real fans. “I visited both clubs, though.” My love for Atletico has only grown. “You can feel the passion for football there.”
This represents the first comparison with Feyenoord: “A people’s club. Sadness. Fight for every meter,” Greven continues. However, there are two important differences. Firstly, unlike Feyenoord, Atlético replaced its old, beloved stadium with a new one.
“Estadio Vicente Calderon had a nice atmosphere. A concrete box without a roof. You cooked in the sun or got wet in the rain. It was hard to leave that behind,” says Greven. “However, we managed to preserve this atmosphere in the new stadium,” he said.
“It’s not luxurious or ostentatious like Real. For example, there are no escalators,” says Greven about the impressive Metropolitano, which can seat around 70,000 people. “It is a stadium that suits Atletico. “They’re really proud of it and I don’t think anyone would want to go back to the Calderon.”
recent trauma
Feyenoord’s other difference is a little more painful: Europe’s most important trophy is not in their trophy cabinet. “Winning the Champions League remains a dream. “Feyenoord did this with the European First Cup in 1970,” says Winkels.
“Atlético has reached three finals (1974, 2014 and 2016, editor’s note) and came particularly close to Real Madrid in the last two. “They may never get a chance like this again.” Atletico lost once in extra time and once on penalties.
Greven begins with a positive outlook: “Atletico won the World Cup in 1974 because they were allowed to replace Bayern.” However, losing two finals against Real hurt us a lot. First of all, the equalizer that Sergio Ramos scored in the 93rd minute in 2014 is a trauma.”
This season, Atlético is making a new attempt to win the cup with big ears. The next obstacle is Feyenoord. It turned out to be a pretty big hurdle in Madrid, but it was overcome (3:2). “Feyenoord was very good then. “This surprised everyone in Madrid,” says Greven, looking back.
“On the other hand, this is also the Dutch disease: thinking that you are better and have the right to win. But Atletico shrug their shoulders at this. Win etc. This suits the club. But it is.” It doesn’t change the fact that Feyenoord is performing very well.
“The picture will be the same on Tuesday,” says Greven. “Atletico doesn’t need to do this either. “They are at the top of the group and will wait for mistakes.” Winkels believes Feyenoord has a chance. “Atletico is a very variable team. Sometimes they are very convincing, sometimes they lose points unnecessarily.”
In any case, Greven is in the visitor area with his daughter. “Around two to three thousand Atletico fans will come. These will be heard and seen. You can almost feel them. I think it will be a great atmosphere because Feyenoord fans are in the same situation. “It will be a football party.”
Source: NOS
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
