Why Gárate, Adelardo, Ufarte, Luis, Irureta and company already defeated a British team, Celticto take Atlético to the first European Cup final in its history in 1974. Because the goals of Adrián, Diego Costa and Arda Turan at Stamford Bridge in 2014, in Simeone’s debut as Champions coach, led to Lisbon in 2014. Because the four captains, Koke, Oblak, Griezmann and Giménez are the survivors of the feat at the Allianz Arena that catapulted Milan in 2016.
Because a victory at Mestalla with a clean sheet also intervened between the draw in Madrid in the first leg of the 2014 semi-finals and the 1-3 draw against Chelsea that gave them a pass to glory in London. Because Atlético always does much better like then and now, when they are not considered the favorite. Because in the two previous finals led by Cholo he also left a Barcelona with much more potential behind in the quarterfinals.
Because Simeone is a master in the playoffs. Because the man who has managed to change the history of Atlético has been seen in these many more times than Arteta. Because he already knocked down Mourinho and Guardiola in these instances. Because it has also left Luis Enrique, Flick, Inzhagui and Xabi Alonso in the European gutter.
Because there are already eight titles in 14 years of Cholismo. Because Arsenal has gone 20 years without winning the Premier League. Because their current leadership is already threatened by City. Because he is no longer as invulnerable as he was in the first part of the season in which he won all his Champions League games nor is he imposing as he did in the 4-0 in the regular League. Because Atlético has also changed a lot, for the better, since then.
Because Atlético was superior and deserved more reward in the second half of the first leg. Because Julián’s goals are falling in the Champions League. Because Lookman plays at home. Because Llorente adds goals to his unstoppable odometer when he travels to the islands. Because with Pubill and Hancko you can go to any air war.
Simeone: “We have a lot of faith in what we do and we are convinced”
Because Old Trafford and Anfield are two more of the temples of England silenced against the odds by Atlético to move forward in the Champions League. Because the more than 3,000 who will cheer from one of the funds will turn the Emirates Stadium into a small Metropolitan. Because Griezmann already scored a vital goal there to win the 2018 Europa League.
Because Atlético already knows what it’s like to eliminate Arsenal in a semi-final after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Because El Cholo retired a Gunner legend like Arsene Wenger in that tie finished off by Costa’s goal at the Metropolitano after an assist from Antoine. Because their way of competing makes them the most uncomfortable team on the continent.
Because the career and current moment of the top scorer in Atlético’s history deserves his last dance in the Champions League to be in Budapest. Because after missing a penalty in the 2016 final before the damn shootout in which Juanfran crashed the red and white illusions into the post, Griezmann has a thorn to remove. Because he postponed his farewell to Orlando to win one last title as a red and white player. Because there would be no better culmination of his career.
Because the legend of Koke only needs to be the captain who lifts the first Champions League. Because it is the only title that resists Cholo. Because after the injuries in Lisbon and Milan without having lost in the 90 minutes, it’s time. Because after the elimination of the last year due to the poorly refereed double touch, one day ‘divine justice’ will have to be done. Because the team that has never stopped believing has not stopped playing either. For these and a few other reasons, destiny can only lead to Budapest.
