EL Cholo Simeone has done great things at the Calderon since he took over in 2011. The ex-Argentine Midfielder succeeded Gregorio Manzano in December 2011 after a poor run of form that saw the capital club flirting with relegation at some point, going winless for long stretches. He steadied the ship and brought joy to the faces of avid colchoneros when he delivered two European trophies in 3 months. First, the Europa League in May (thrashed Bilbao 3-0) and then the European Super Cup in August (annihilated Chelsea FC 4-1). Colombian marksman, Radamel Falcao was the star of the show on both historic nights, scoring a brace in the first and a well taken hat-trick in the second to hand Simeone a dream start to life as manager of Atletico Madrid. However, one thing still ails the Colchoneros. A win against their great rivals and neighbours, Real Madrid. The 32 time La Liga Champions have not lost to the defending Europa League Champions in 14 years, winning the last nine encounters on the bounce. This, they intend to stop today.
The task has been made easier with the absence of 51-goal Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has been omitted from the squad that travelled to the Vicente Calderon because of a leg injury and most importantly, adequate rest for Tuesday's very essential Champions League 2nd leg tie vs Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu. It has taken some shine off the much talked about battle, but it will do nothing to diffuse the tension and anticipation. In Falcao, Los Colchoneros possess the best centre forward in the game. He has shown time and time again why he is so revered. 25 League goals this term, including crucial strikes in the Copa Del Rey show the stuff he is made of. Brazil's Diego Costa has also been an able ally, providing the much needed support for the Tiger from Santa Marta.
This affair is seen as a dress rehearsal for the Copa Del Rey final on May 17. However, it is much more important than that. With three points separating both sides, second place in La Liga is up for grabs and today's duel will go a long way to determine who's favourite to claim it. Jose Mourinho and his side were dismantled in Germany on Wednesday. Die Borussen inflicted one of the most disastrous defeats of the Mou era on the merengues, with Robert Lewandowski shinning like a million stars. His four goals were expertly taken and the 'whites' were put to the sword. The almost impossible feat was accomplished in Ruhr with some of the most breathtaking displays you will ever witness. The 'Only one' as he chooses to be known as, is looking to turn around the tie in three days time when the German, well drilled machine comes to town. A 4-1 deficit may seem unassailable, but if you remember what happened at the Riazor nine years ago, you will know that impossible is nothing, especially in football. Jose will be without CR7 and is also expected to rest some of the big guns for this particular game. La Liga is lost. Although second place is far from guaranteed, the task ahead holds more substance for the Spanish giants whose chase for LA DECIMA continues in midweek.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
ATLETICO MADRID-
Courtiois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Garcia, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Costa, FALCAO
Atletico's rise in La Liga has been phenomenal and it wouldn't have been made possible without the brave efforts of Belgian youngster, Thibaut Courtois. The 20 year old has been a revelation since his arrival at the Calderon. The on-loan Chelsea goaltender was part of the reason why the Colchoneros performed so well in Europe last season. He has carried that marvellous form this season. Only 25 goals have been conceded by him and the Miranda-Godin marshalled rearguard. The lowest in the Spanish top flight. This has seen Miranda earn call ups for the Brazilian National team and the team in general has earned rave reviews.With Falcao and Costa in front, and the industrious Gabi in midfield, Diego Simeone is fast building a squad capable of competing for top honours in the near future. They are certainties to feature in the Champions League next season....most probably without the Tiger's roar.
REAL MADRID-
Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Albiol, Nacho, Modric, Kaka, Di Maria, Callejon, Benzema, Morata
The 4-1 thumping of Real Madrid was Jose Mourinho's biggest margin of defeat in 106 games as manager in Europe's biggest club competition. He was dazed at the Iduna after the match. Just like Champions, his wards are prepared to bounce back from that devastating blow and register a morale boosting win later today at the Calderon. Assistant coach, Aitor Karanka has confirmed that CR7 is OUT of this encounter. Other regulars may be forced to sit out, thus channelling their attention to Tuesday's showdown. The likes of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varanae and Ozil may be rested. Iker Casillas may return.....Diego Lopez may sit out this game as well. The Merengues haven't fared well away from the Santiago Bernabeu in recent time. Only one win from their last four away games in all competitions is a bad run. Against Atletico, they will be hopeful that this can change. The home front has been defended with gusto by Atleti. Only one loss all season. The task is herculean for Real.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
