Eight seasons have passed since Atlético de Madrid made the move from Vicente Calderón to the current Metropolitan, and in that time, Athletic Club has not managed to conquer the mattress fief on any occasion in the domestic championship. It’s a streak that’s hard to ignore, especially given the precedents in this scenario, which aren’t very positive for Athletic. The team has come away empty-handed in six of their seven visits to the Metropolitan in the League, with the lone exception being a goalless draw in the 2021/22 season, which earned them a single point out of a possible 21. The rest of their visits have ended in victory for the home team.
Looking back, it’s clear that Athletic’s struggles in Atlético’s territory aren’t a new phenomenon. Even in the old Calderón, the team’s last visits didn’t yield much better results. You have to go back to the 2010/11 season to find Athletic’s last league victory away from home against Atlético. That match, which took place under the guidance of Quique Sánchez Flores rather than Diego Pablo Simeone, saw the Bilbao team emerge victorious with a 0-2 win, courtesy of a double from Gaizka Toquero. This triumph remains the last time Athletic has beaten Atlético away from home in the league.
However, if we broaden our scope to include other competitions, we don’t have to look too far back to find a more positive result for Athletic. Just last year, in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, the Biscayans managed to secure a win thanks to a penalty goal from Álex Berenguer. This victory offers a glimmer of hope and a premise for Athletic to build upon as they propose to revive the fight for third position against Atlético.
Athletic’s Challenge
The task ahead of Athletic is undoubtedly a tough one, given their historical struggles at the Metropolitan. Yet, with the right mindset and strategy, they might just be able to turn the tide. It’s not just about conquering a difficult territory but also about reclaiming a position that has seemed elusive for far too long.
Past Performances and Future Prospects
While past performances can provide valuable insights, they do not dictate future outcomes. Athletic has the opportunity to write a new chapter in their history with Atlético, one that could potentially shift the dynamics of their encounters. The key will be in their ability to learn from previous matches, adapt their approach, and capitalize on any weaknesses their opponents might display. With determination and the right tactics, the Metropolitan, though a daunting venue, could become a stage for Athletic to showcase their resilience and skill.