It’s not fair that Real Madrid has to play Atletico Madrid three times in less than a month, said Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid, coached by Diego Simeone, plays Real Madrid in Riyadh on Wednesday in the semi-final of the Spanish Suρer Cup. They will also play each other next week in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and in early February in La Liga.
Atletico is the only team this season to beаt Real Madrid in all competitions. Real Madrid beаt Atletico 3-1 in the Metropolitano stadium match in September.
Ancelotti told a news gathering, “The schedule is what it is, we have to play Atletico Madrid again.”
“I don’t like facing Atletico because they are one of the best teams, it’s always tough to play them — but Atletico will be thinking the same thing.”
“We are two strong teams and it will be complicated, but I think the fans will enjoy these fixtures, both Real Madrid and Atletico fans.”
Ancelotti said that Atletico’s win over Madrid this season hurt his team, but they have now gone 19 games without losing.
He went on, “The trutҺ is that the last game we played (against Atletico) hurt us a lot.”
“I think tomorrow we can put a better version of ourselves out there than in our first match against Atletico Madrid.”
Before this season’s win, Atletico had only won one of their last 14 La Liga games against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid also beаt Atletico in the first-ever Spanish Suρer Cup final held in Saudi Arabia in 2020.
Madrid player Fede Valverde was sent off for tackling Atletico scorer Alvaro Morata as he ran through on goal deep into extra time. This let his team win on penalties.
Valverde told the press, “I’d do it again if it’s for the team.”
“If we’re losing 3-0 then there’s no sense in it, in that final we were battling it out, it was hard-fought… if that was the scoreline again, I’d do it again.”
“Mind wore down”
Rodrigo de Paul, a midfielder for Atletico Madrid, said he was glad to play against Real Madrid three times, even though it’s hard оn the players.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing the best teams, and Madrid is one of them,” stated De Paul.
“Obviously this fixture leads to being worn down mentally and physically a lot, but (Madrid derbies) always have their negatives and positives — I’ll appreciate being able to face one of the best teams.”
Simeone said that Atletico’s win over Real Madrid in September had nothing to do with the game at the Al-Awwal stadium.
“Madrid had some players who couldn’t play, and they will be there tomorrow … that was another game, in another moment,” stated Simeone.
“We will prepare to play this one in the way we think is apt for this moment.”
Vinicius Junior, a key forward for Real Madrid, was hurt during the loss to Atletico, but he has been better recently and is ready to start on Wednesday.
Winners of the Spanish Suρer Cup The other semifinal matchup is between Barcelona and Osasuna on Thursday.