On Sunday night I went to sleep happy. Not euphoric, but with a smile. Of course, the one who did not rest so well was that sector of the press that had already prepared the headline “There is no need Mbappe to win the derby”, and that had to be changed at the last minute. That our red and white number 10 ruined the party for our eternal rival is something that always fills me with joy. There are things that don’t change. How great you are, Angelito!
Many things about the game have already been analyzed, so I am going to highlight something that has barely been mentioned. I would like to know where are all those who always blamed the Cholo be a defensive coach. The Argentine coach came out with more attacking players than Real Madrid, both in the first (Griezmann-Sorloth–Julian vs Rodrygo–Vinicius) as in the second part. The whites even ended up with a double lateral, while we went all out on the attack. Riquelme and Linen on the bands next to Beltwith Marcos Llorente from the side, and Javi Galanside with a more offensive profile. His debut was a nice and decisive surprise for everyone, with attendance included. Chapó the great Cholo for their decisive changes and my special congratulations to Javi Galan.
This week Atleti will have an important challenge in the Champions League: Benfica, a team for which I have a special affection, and which I believe its fans also have for me. As a Portuguese, it will always be a great honor for me to have played in the big three of my country. As veteran readers will remember, in 1993 I played half a season with the Lisbon team, just after my first Colchonera stage. If you want to know why I was forced to leave Atleti (even though I didn’t want to), the whole story is in the HBO documentary “El Pionero”.
I was in the “águias” for a short time, but I think I left a nice memory. It was a great squad, with Rui Costa, Paulo Sousa and Joao Pintoamong other phenomena. With them I played the most complete game of my career in the final of the Taça de Portugal, the Portuguese equivalent of the Copa del Rey. That night of June 10, 1993 remains unforgettable for me. I scored two goals, caused a penalty and gave an assist. One of my many would give nightmares to any white fan because of its resemblance to the one from the 92 Cup at the Bernabéu. I’m not exaggerating, I encourage you to look for it on YouTube. Another curious fact is that with Benfica I never lost a single game. My time at the club was undefeated and included a title.
If they have taken note of anything in the Portuguese capital from the recent derby, it is that the great Cholo and his cracks never stop believing. The draw was not the victory we all dreamed of, but it showed the character of the team. An authentic Iberian game awaits us this Wednesday!