The team’s coach, Cholo Simeone, has often stated that the match that changed the mentality of Atlético de Madrid was the final of the 2012-2013 Cup season. On that day, the team defeated Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, marking the beginning of a new era of rivalry between the two teams. This win signified the end of constant defeats in derbies and the start of a period where Atlético de Madrid began to challenge Real Madrid. As a result, the Cup competition holds special significance for the team, who are eager to win a title they have not claimed in twelve years.
This season, the team is on the right track, having defeated Getafe 5-0 to reach the semifinals of the championship for the second consecutive season. They are now waiting for their next opponent and are just two games away from competing for the tournament title, an opportunity they were denied by Athletic last season. Although they suffered disappointment at San Mamés last year, it is worth noting that the team has become accustomed to being among the last survivors of the championship.
In fact, after playing in the semifinals of the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons, Simeone’s team had not managed to reach two consecutive decisive rounds until now. This achievement has only been accomplished six times in the team’s history, specifically between the seasons of 1959-1961, 1963-1965, 1974-1976, 1990-1992, and 1998-2000.
Ultimately, Atlético de Madrid will compete for the Cup title again this season, having maintained their chances of winning in all the tournaments they are participating in.