Cholo, Griezmann, Torres... Atlético Madrid
The final is upon us, a day full of emotion. When those two damn draws against Qarabag threw Atlético from the Champions League, sadness surrounded the club. But Uefa has designed the competition well and opens another door to a title for strong teams that take a stumble (or even two) and that is now the case with the Rojiblancos. That sadness is now hope and excitement before a game for which there is a cup that the club wants. For many, it awakens the beloved memory of Hamburg, when facing Fulham the Madrid club finally steppped out of the hole in which it had hidden for several years. Those days of Kun and Forlán. Another Atleti, but yet the same Atleti.
Marseille, danger in two forms
Their opponent is good, better than that Fulham. Marseille are France's favourite team, the first and only one to win the European Cup for the country. They were, before that, the team Papin fell in love with. A passiately supported club taken, perhaps to excess, having multiplied in the midst the ultra groups. That, along with the fact that now they are battling for the final Champions League spot with bitter rivals Olympique Lyon, makes you fear friction. Lyon is the only place in France where OM is not welcome. But the authorities will maximise their efforts. The Interior Minister, who was mayor of this city, knows that the country's prestige is on the line, in the city he used to govern.
Champion finale for Griezmann and Torres
Simeone spoke yesterday of humility and excitement. He has a full squad to pick from, although Vitolo and Filipe are carrying knocks. But the team is going all out. They did not hold back against Getafe, because he likes to the adrenaline pumping, and the group responded bravely to the challenge. Griezmann, whom so many see with one foot in Barcelona, will play with special motivation. Whether he stays or goes, these are his days, this is his game, this is his land. And he can count of having his best strike partner, Diego Costa. More than ten thousand fans have travelled, for a midweek game at the expense of some work time, with the hope of seeing them become champions and Torres playing at least some part, a happy farewell with a great title. So be it