Copa del Rey final: Atlético Madrid goes off on Real Madrid, “we must redeem…”

After Real Madrid’s qualification for the Copa del Rey final, Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético Madrid, expressed his desire to face the Madrid rival again.

Atlético Madrid has a bone to pick with Real Madrid this season. Already at odds over the issue of refereeing in La Liga, the two clubs had a fierce battle in the Champions League round of 16, which turned against the Colchoneros. After a tough encounter, the fate of Enrique Cerezo’s team was decided by penalties, with a penalty for Julián Álvarez being annulled for a double contact. Despite UEFA’s confirmation of the referee’s decision, Atlético refuses to accept it. Weeks after the controversy, the president of the Red and Whites is still brooding over the defeat.

“We must face Real to redeem the mistakes“

Emerging from a pre-match lunch before the Copa del Rey return semi-final with the FC Barcelona directors on Wednesday, Enrique Cerezo expressed enthusiasm about facing Real Madrid in the final of the competition on 26 April. “I’m in good spirits. I’m a bit disappointed, as the elimination in the Champions League was a hard blow, due to the tragic result against Atlético Madrid. Today, it’s a different match, we start from scratch. We will get through this, as I can see they really want to win,” said the president of Atlético Madrid to the press.

Asked about Real Madrid, who struggled to defeat Real Sociedad on Tuesday night, Enrique Cerezo spoke of a much-anticipated revenge. “It would be a fantastic final, a final to redeem the mistakes.” If we are to judge by results this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side would once again be the favourites in the Copa del Rey final against the Colchoneros, who are still furious.