In conflict with Real Madrid for weeks, Atlético Madrid and their fans once again made headlines on Wednesday night after their elimination against Barça in the Copa del Rey.
Atlético de Madrid, a club often at the centre of fierce tensions with their eternal rivals, Real Madrid, once again caught attention on Wednesday evening following their Copa del Rey exit at the hands of FC Barcelona. Known as a club that reflects the fiery and provocative nature of its manager, the Colchoneros surprisingly stood out against the Catalans in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Civitas Metropolitano. Recently, their rivalry with Real Madrid reached its peak during their last Champions League clash.
Atlético surprisingly courteous with Barça
During the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on 12 April, Atlético fans expressed intense hostility towards Carlo Ancelotti’s team with spectacular actions. Throwing everything they had at hand—including bottles, lighters, and even sandwiches—to celebrate the Merengues’ qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Yet, on Wednesday night, Atlético Madrid surprisingly spared the Catalans after their Copa del Rey elimination.
The usual animosity towards Real Madrid was nowhere to be seen when facing FC Barcelona’s players, despite Barça also being a club that prevents them from reaching their objectives. After the 1-0 victory last night, Lamine Yamal and his teammates dared to approach the Atlético supporters’ area, but to everyone’s surprise, they were neither attacked nor insulted.
This stark contrast raises questions about a “double standard” that fuels the passion of Atlético’s red-and-white supporters. Lest we forget, on 12 April, Carlo Ancelotti’s players were attacked while celebrating their Champions League qualification.
Animosity towards Real leading to UEFA sanctions
In response, Dani Ceballos, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Antonio Rüdiger reacted with strong gestures. Just like their fans, Atlético’s management reported these players, who are now at risk of suspension by UEFA. The deep-seated hatred the Colchoneros hold for Real Madrid can be traced back to the painful experiences they suffered in the Champions League, particularly their two final defeats against their historic rivals.
Despite the years passing, they still struggle to move on. These defeats deeply scarred their fanbase, depriving them of their dream of European triumph—a fact that fuels a lasting resentment towards the Merengue side. On a sporting level, the difference in Diego Simeone’s approach against Barcelona compared to Real Madrid was also striking. Playing at home against the Blaugranas, Atlético managed just six shots, none of which were on target. Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite being away, dominated the game with impressive control.
Real Madrid alone against all in Spain
With a golden opportunity to meet Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, simply by beating the Catalans, Simeone’s players seemed demotivated from the kick-off. Probably shaken by their recent setbacks in La Liga and the Champions League, Atlético displayed an alarming lack of confidence against Hansi Flick’s team throughout the match. With nine league games still to play, Atlético Madrid now finds themselves in a critical situation, trailing Real Madrid by six points and Barcelona by nine.
One thing is certain: the Merengues now know they stand alone against the rest of Spain’s clubs. The team to beat in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will brace themselves and fight fiercely for the white badge. On 26 April, Florentino Pérez’s club will attempt to defeat Barça for the first time this season to claim the Copa del Rey—right under the noses of the Colchoneros, who harbour a deep hatred towards them.
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