Atlético won’t greet Real Madrid with honor guard in derby

MADRID (AP) — The newly topped champions of the Spanish league shouldn’t anticipate any particular therapy come Sunday at their most hated rivals.

Atlético Madrid says that it gained’t present an honor guard, whereby one crew’s gamers like as much as applaud their opponents as they enter the sector earlier than kickoff, for league champions Actual Madrid for Sunday’s derby on the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

“We congratulate Actual Madrid, its gamers and its teaching workers as a result of they’ve executed an unbelievable job,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone mentioned Saturday within the buildup to the sport.

“I respect Madrid for turning into the champion, however we now have rather more respect for our followers, those that are all the time with us.”

Madrid wrapped up its thirty fifth Spanish league title final weekend with 4 rounds remaining after beating Espanyol 4-0.

The honour guard shouldn’t be all the time practiced in Spanish soccer. However typically the primary opponent to face a newly topped champion after successful a title pays their respects on this trend. It’s a customized that’s not practiced in all leagues. Each Simeone, who’s Argentine, and Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who’s Italian, each mentioned it’s not executed of their nations.

The all the time relaxed-looking Ancelotti tried to downplay Atlético’s choice, which is certain to rub many Madrid followers the flawed method.

“Everybody ought to do what they really feel is finest and we now have to respect that. We’ve the utmost respect for Atlético, their gamers and their coach,” Ancelotti mentioned. “They’re our neighbors, mates. In the event that they do it, high-quality, and in the event that they don’t, that’s OK too. We’ll respect no matter they select to do.”

With nothing left within the league to play for, Madrid is utilizing the match to begin its preparations for the Champions League closing in opposition to Liverpool on Might 28.

Atlético, nonetheless, nonetheless must lock up a top-four end to make sure a Champions League spot subsequent season.

Atletico Madrid’s head coach Diego Simeone sits on the bench throughout a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Athletic Membership Bilbao and Atletico Madrid on the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Saturday, April 30, 2022.

___

Extra AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SHARE: