May 17, Saint Neptune

May 17 will always be a special date in the Atletico Madrid. Saint Neptune. Because in the last decade, Atletico fans have twice gone to its source on the same day. In 2013 and 2014. To celebrate a Copa el Rey and a League, respectively.

They were not the first titles of Diego Simeone as a mattress coach, but possibly the most important ones. Especially the first, something that Cholo has been in charge of remembering every time he has been asked about this matter. We are referring to the Copa del Rey final played at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atlético was going through more than a decade of drought in derbies. Although he had won two Europa League and two Super Cups (one of each with Quique, in 2010) in Europe, the eternal rival continued to resist him. Until that May 17, 2013. A Friday that changed the recent history of the Madrid classics... and the rojiblanco team itself.

Because that goal by Miranda in extra time meant ending that curse and convincing players and fans that you could fight for everything with the Cristiano’s Madrid and Messi’s Barcelona. That’s how it went. And that the white box went ahead on the scoreboard with a goal from the Portuguese. then I would draw Diego Costa After a great action Falcao and in extra time, the Brazilian’s header that went down in history, after a siege by the Madridistas on the goal… Courtois.

One year later, on May 17, 2014, Atlético stood at the Camp Nou in an entire final for the League title. The draw was worth it. And he did it, thanks to another header, this one from Godinwhich equaled the initial goal of Alexis Suarez. The Camp Nou recognized the merit of that team with a standing ovation for the champions that is still remembered. The excited celebration of the players on the pitch, the embrace of Simeone with his now deceased father, the tears of Gabi, Koke and Tiago…

In short, a date for the history and memory of Atlético de Madrid. may 17th. Saint Neptune.

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