“Couldn’t they both lose?” Toni Kroos’ brutal Champions League verdict on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid
Former Real Madrid midfielder Kroos can’t see Atleti winning the Champions League this season, or Barcelona until they change their ways.
Toni Kroos is not known for holding back, and his latest comments were no exception.
Speaking on a YouTube video posted to his joint channel with his brother, Luppen TV, the former Real Madrid midfielder offered a blunt assessment of the Champions League knockout tie between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
“Couldn’t they both lose?”
When asked who he was supporting, Kroos leaned into his old Real Madrid loyalties with a pointed response.
“Couldn’t they both lose?” he said. “After 10 years at Real Madrid, I don’t want either of them to win. But if I had to choose, I’d rather Atletico win, because they won’t have the same chances next year. I don’t hate either team, but out of affection for Madrid, I’d prefer they don’t win.”
Why Atletico Madrid won’t win the Champions League
Kroos also made it clear he does not see Atletico Madrid going all the way in the Champions League.
“This is just my personal opinion, but I don’t think Atletico Madrid will win the Champions League,” he said. “There are teams in this competition that play better than them.”
Tactical breakdown of Barcelona vs Atletico
The German midfielder then turned his attention to the match itself, praising Barcelona’s quality but highlighting the turning point.
“I think Barcelona were the better team, but when you spend so long with one fewer player, it becomes very difficult,” Kroos said. “Atletico always know how to defend a result very well, and with the advantage from the first leg plus the red card, they had a big edge to reach the semifinals.”
Why Barcelona won’t win the Champions League
Kroos finished by returning to a theme he has raised before, Barcelona’s defensive structure and high-risk style.
“When you defend like that and leave so much space behind you, these things can happen, including red cards to stop a one-on-one with the goalkeeper,” he said. “Barcelona’s defense is very exposed. It happened to them last year against Inter and again this year against Atletico. Like I said before, if they don’t change how they play, they are not going to win the Champions League.”
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