Simeone wants to prove a point at new ‘home’
It may lack a final lick of paint but “it appears like the Circus Maximus,” crowed proud Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone at the special atmosphere already produced by his club’s new Wanda Metropolitano home.
The opening of the 68,000 capacity stadium marks heady days for a club that has traditionally lived in the shadow of neighbours Real Madrid, none more so in the Champions League in recent years.
Atletico have fallen to Real in the quarters, semis and twice in the final in the past four seasons, but there is a sense of optimism flowing through the red and white half of Madrid as Chelsea travel to the Spanish capital for the Wanda’s Champions League debut on
Wednesday.
“Right now it is the best stadium in Europe,” said Atletico president Enrique Cerezo.
“On the outside it is spectacular. On the inside it is the business.”
“The more and more the fans adjust and involve themselves the stadium will be tremendous,” said Simeone after Atletico beat Sevilla.
“When the fans shouted it was tremendous, down there it appears like the Circus Maximus. It made me emotional. I am very moved.”
Chinese conglomerate Wanda, who bought a 20 percent stake in the club in 2015, have paid for the naming rights to help with the 310 million euro bill. But the club have tried to maintain links to Atletico’s history by also adding Metropolitano, their ground prior to the Calderon, to the name.
“It has a different concept in terms of technology and digitalisation,” continued Cerezo.
The stadium design aims to match modern convenience with an intimidating atmosphere. It is the first in the world to be fully LED lit and counts on far greater leg room for supporters than at the Calderon. “This will be a pressure cooker because the fans are glued to the pitch,” added Simeone. UEFA have even given their sign of approval by awarding the Wanda the 2019 Champions League final.
A fiery atmosphere could be fuelled even further by the presence of Diego Costa in the stands fresh from ending his standoff with Chelsea to force through a return to Atletico.
Costa can’t play until January, but his move for a club record fee is a further sign that Atletico Madrid feel they now belong among Europe’s elite.
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