Atletico Madrid staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the reigning runners-up Inter Milan on penalties, securing their berth in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League. Diego Simeone once again proved instrumental in orchestrating the resilience of the Spanish capital’s team.
Another emphatic victory leaves its mark under Simeone’s leadership
With a confident 1-0 victory at home in the first leg, Inter Milan, under the management of Simone Inzaghi, were optimistic about overcoming Atletico Madrid as they ventured to the Metropolitano stadium. The reigning runners-up of the Champions League even surged ahead in the return leg when Dimarco scored in the 33rd minute.
However, this marked only the beginning of Inter Milan’s downfall. They provoked the “wasp’s nest” known as Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone. The Spanish team equalized just 2 minutes later through Antoine Griezmann. Then, in the 87th minute, substitute player Memphis Depay scored, bringing the aggregate score after two legs to 2-2.
After failing to determine the winner in extra time, both teams had to resort to a penalty shootout. Here, the resilience and warrior spirit of Atletico Madrid were once again showcased. Only one player from the home team, Saul Niguez, missed his penalty, while three from Inter Milan failed to convert.
The entire Metropolitano stadium erupted when Lautaro Martinez from Inter hit the crossbar. And Simeone remained the focal point of the exuberant celebration after yet another famous victory in Europe under his guidance.
Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League final twice under the former Argentine international, in 2014 and 2016, but lost on both occasions to arch-rivals Real Madrid. Nevertheless, no one should underestimate this team, and only misfortune has prevented them from lifting the prestigious trophy.
According to statistics, Simeone has become one of the three managers with the fewest defeats in their first 50 home matches in the Champions League, alongside Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. All three tacticians have suffered only 5 losses. Remarkably, El Cholo has never lost a home game in the Champions League knockout stages.
Atletico Madrid are facing their 23rd Champions League knockout tie in history, with Diego Simeone having been at the helm for 21 of these 23 matches.
The architect of the ‘Atletico Spirit’
Former Manchester United and England national team defender, Rio Ferdinand, discussed his admiration for Simeone in a segment featured on TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage:
“What I admire about Simeone is his establishment of a distinct culture at Atletico, a spirit that never falters. One can visibly observe the intense passion he harbors for football. People may express their passion in various ways, but one cannot deny his fervent enthusiasm.”
“Whether or not you appreciate Simeone’s style of play, respect must be afforded to him. Simeone commands an incredibly loyal group of players, willing to go through fire for him. His ability to motivate players and attract individuals around him is remarkable.”
Meanwhile, Joe Cole also marveled at Simeone’s ability to rally players and fans around him. Cole also believes Atletico poses a formidable challenge in the quarter-finals. “I’m impressed by Simeone not just for his tactics but for the fighting spirit he instills in his players. He brings a winning mentality to them,” Cole remarked.
“Simeone is a responsible and closely connected coach, not only with his players but also with the fans. Atletico has become a unified entity under Simeone. They will be a tough opponent for other teams in the quarter-finals.”
It’s evident that Simeone has transformed Atletico from an ordinary team into a genuine force in both La Liga and the Champions League. Notably, he has sustained their success over an extended period. It can be said that Simeone has constructed an Atletico that is not only competitive but also enduring.