The title is no longer up for discussion – but for how Atletico should deal with it. The club does not want to honor Real with a trellis.
When Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid tonight at their own stadium, the hosts for the royal team, who are already crowned champions, will not form the trellis that is usual in Spain. Atletico officially announced this decision a week ago – and it caused discussions in the run-up to the game.
Because actually in Spain a team that has just won a title is honored by the opponent with this special sign. As was the case on Saturday when FC Barcelona lined up for the Copa del Rey-winning Real Betis team.
Atletico, on the other hand, rejects the guard of honor for Real. “Some people want to turn what was initially a gesture of recognition into a public display of a tribute one must pay to one’s rival – combined with a touch of humiliation,” the club wrote in flowery terms. “Under no circumstances will Atletico Madrid be involved in this attempt to ridicule the team,” the club added.
Atletico want the guard of honor to take place at the Real Stadium
Atletico is not even so concerned with the fact that archrival Real should be applauded. “It’s a gesture that the home crowd should applaud. We got our guard of honor in our first home game from Elche,” the Madrilenians recalled at the start of the current season. So Atletico would like the following Real opponents to take over the task at the Bernabeu.
The club’s opinion on this issue is also supported by Atletico player and coach Diego Simeone. “The club explained it perfectly in the press release,” said the Argentine. “We congratulate Real Madrid, the footballers, the staff because they’ve done a great job,” Simeone said, before adding: “We have respect for Real, but even more for our people.”
A possible additional whistle concert for the new master is thus avoided today in the Wanda Metropolitano. In any case, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t care much about the whole issue. When asked about the guard of honor for his team, he said: “If they do it, great. If not, it doesn’t matter.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
