With just a few hours to go until the decisive match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, the Metropolitano is preparing to experience a huge night, with the home side having an advantage after a 2-0 win in the first leg at Camp Nou.
An important but not definitive advantage, which demands the utmost attention against a team full of quality and determined to attempt a comeback.
In this atmosphere of great expectation and tension, president Enrique Cerezo took stock of the situation in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, amid confidence in his players, certainties about the future and a clear conviction: the Colchoneros are ready to do everything to reach the semi-final.
From the growth of the group led by Diego Simeone to the specific weight of the performance offered in the first leg, passing through the momentum of some individuals and the inevitable refereeing controversy, the Rojiblanco number one reaffirmed compactness and ambition, underlining how the team arrives with the awareness of being able to complete the work begun a week ago in Catalonia.
It is hard to imagine a better scenario after the first 90 minutes.
"What made me very happy was both the result and the team's performance in the first leg."
Before the game he had jokingly assured Julian Alvarez that he would stay in Madrid until he said otherwise, and he returned the confidence with a goal. Is he really sure he will stay at Atleti?
"Yes, he played a great game. And yes, he will stay with us for a long time to come."
Also emerging victorious from Camp Nou was Simeone, who had received a lot of criticism in recent months...
"I don't think there can be any criticism of Simeone. We certainly don't have any. He is a great coach and we are very happy with him."
His name has often been mentioned in connection with Inter. Can you confirm, as you did for Julian, that Cholo will also remain at Atletico for many more years?
"I hope so. In fact, I'm sure that will be the case."
What was your view of the refereeing controversy that accompanied the first leg?
"I don't like talking about referees. As you know, because it's not the first time I've said it, I don't like VAR. I am of the opinion that referees decide based on what they see and you have to let them work in peace."
And, in the league match against Barca in April, the referee had decided to send Gerard Martin to the shower before the VAR made him change his mind.
"Today, this is how football works...".
Have Barcelona arrived in Madrid with a great desire for 'remontada'?
"They will also come with a great desire for a comeback, but they won't be the only ones who are ready for anything. We also have a great desire to win. We have prepared very well for this match, we have worked a lot and the hope is to play a good game."
You talk about hope...
"Actually I have no doubts, I am convinced that we will play a great game and get through the round."
After the brilliant performance at Camp Nou, Atletico are called upon to give another great test.
"That's right and I'm sure we will give more than we did in the first leg, don't doubt it."
We close with a champion who has decided to bring the curtain down, at least in Europe, on his career. Antoine Griezmann was one of the best on the pitch in the first leg. A shame to lose him as early as next summer....
"Yes, Antoine is a great champion, we are very happy to have a player with his quality. On the day he leaves Atleti we will honour him with a farewell party worthy of what he is and has been for the club."
