It’s Madrid vs. Madrid for the Champions League crown
— One city, two rivals — for the biggest prize in club soccer.
Real Madrid, now coached by Zinedine Zidane, and Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, will meet on May 28 in the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons.
“There are no favourites,” said Zidane, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid in 2002. “We both deserve to be there. We know we will have a complicated match on May 28.”
Eleven-time champion Real Madrid reached the final for a 14th time on Wednesday with a 1-0 aggregate win over Manchester City, while Atletico eliminated Bayern Munich on Tuesday on away goals to reach its third final.
Atletico was on its way to its first European Cup title until the last minutes of the final in Lisbon two years ago. Madrid equalized late and eventually clinched the title in extra time, winning 4-1.
Atletico also was minutes away from victory in the 1974 final, when it conceded late and eventually lost to Bayern Munich.
But since the arrival of Simeone, the former defensive midfielder who brought in hard-working players who passionately abide to his team-first attitude, Atletico has become a force.
“We try to play with our own characteristics, with the style that we are able and allowed to play and with the players we have,” the Argentine coach said.
“Now we have the chance to win the final as well and we’ll prepare as well as possible to see if we can do that.”
A Champions League title would help Atletico establish itself as a top European contender even though it doesn’t carry the same financial clout as Europe’s top teams.
Atletico and Real Madrid have played twice this season, both times in the Spanish league. The teams drew 1-1 at the Calderon in October and Atletico won at the Bernabeu 1-0 in February.