Atletico puts ‘cruel defeat’ of ’14 behind it

MILAN With the pain still fresh in their minds, Atletico Madrid has an added motivation for the Champions League final rematch against Real Madrid Saturday.

Atletico was on the verge of claiming Europe’s premier club competition in 2014 when Madrid equalized in stoppage time and went on to win 4-1.

“The past is not worth considering now,” Atletico captain Gabi Fernandez said. “You can only judge us on what we do (Saturday). We have the talent to beat Madrid and that’s what we’re going to try to do.

“It was a cruel defeat. We’re happy to have another chance.”

One Atletico player who has won the prestigious trophy is former Chelsea forward Fernando Torres, but he said it would be extra special to repeat that feat with his childhood club.

Torres scored a goal in the final both times Spain won the European Championship, in 2008 and 2012. He also won the World Cup.

“(Saturday) is the most important game I will play, ever,” he said. “I’m very happy to be playing with this club. I’ve been playing with them since I was five. I was very lucky to win the competition with Chelsea and so much with Spain, but this is something very special for me.”

Torres progressed through the ranks at Atletico before moving to Liverpool, then Chelsea. He had a disappointing four-month loan spell at AC Milan before returning to Atletico at the start of 2015.

The 32-year-old striker will be hoping to cap his rehabilitation with club soccer’s biggest prize.

“(It) means everything to me, everything you dream when you’re a kid. I have the chance to make this dream come true. It’s just what I wanted when I was a kid.”

Real Madrid is bidding for an 11th European Cup, while it would be a first for Atletico, but coach Diego Simeone said he is ready.

“I love to have 130 years of history on my back,” he said. “I love that. I love the pressure.”