Atletico all-in on executing epic comeback

Less-heralded Madrid squad eyes 2015 rout of Real as inspiration for overturning 3-0 semifinal deficit

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Atletico Madrid has built a reputation for gargantuan achievements under coach Diego Simeone and has not given up hope of a remarkable turnaround against Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg.

Last week’s chastening 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu left Atletico needing a repeat of its sensational 4-0 win over its fierce local rival in La Liga in 2015 to prevent a fourth straight European defeat by Real side which has not lost by more than one goal this campaign.

Real has also scored in each of its last 60 games over all competitions, increasing the likelihood of an awaygoal, which would oblige Atletico to win by four goals to reach the final.

Real thrashed Granada 4-0 on Saturday despite Zinedine Zidane making nine changes from the team that beat Atletico so convincingly, while Simeone only rested one player in his side’s 1-0 victory over Eibar.

With Real feeling fresher and its confidence soaring as it remains on track to WHILE ALSO needing plenty of offense in tonight’s Champions League semifinal second leg, Atletico Madrid will need to come up with a way to contain red-hot Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (in white) if has any hopes of overturning a daunting 3-0 deficit. win the domestic title, all signs point to the 11-time European champion piling more misery on its neighbor, which it beat in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

Simeone, however, offered a typically defiant message ahead of the second leg, alluding to his side’s remarkable title win in 2014 and its Champions League successes over the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

“On Wednesday we have an extremely difficult game which for some would be impossible, but not for us,” Simeone told reporters.

“After the last game I told the players it was very tough, that we’re facing the best team in the world that scores in every game but we can do it. I’m convinced we can, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t say so.”

Captain Gabi, meanwhile, is taking inspiration from Barcelona’s record-breaking comeback from a four-goal deficit against Paris Saint Germain this season.

“Of course we can do it, look at Barcelona, and they had an even more difficult result,” he said.

“We’re convinced we can do it, we’re going to fight for it and if not we can at least go out with our heads held high.”

Atletico was boosted on Sunday by the return of defender Jose Gimenez to training, although it is still without right backs Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko, who the club missed badly in the first leg as it struggled to cause Real’s defense any problems.

Real has won only one of its last eight league games against Atletico, but has found the magic formula against it rival in the Champions League, which winger Lucas Vazquez said was due to their history in the competition.

“Real Madrid has a special connection with Europe and the fans feel the same way. Playing in a Champions League game for Madrid gives you goosebumps,” he said.

“Every game against Atletico is difficult because they are great, but we know how to beat them.”

Regardless of the outcome, it should be an emotional game for the home crowd at the Calderon. Atletico will be playing its last European game at the stadium before moving into a new venue next season. Atletico has won 29 of its last 35 European games at home, with only two losses. It hasn’t lost in 10 straight home games in European competitions.

“The fans have always been with us in the most difficult moments and it’s not going to be any different this time,” said Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez said. “We have to give everything we have for them.”