Juan Carlos Valeron and Santiago Denia reflect on Atletico’s famous victory at Santiago Bernabéu
Atletico Madrid last won in the derby against cross town rivals Real Madrid twelve years ago. As Gregorio Manzano prepares to send his team out in this La Liga fixture, former players Juan http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-c8346 Valeron and Santiago Denia have come out and reflected on
the famous victory.
It has been a little over twelve years that Atletico managed that famous 103 victory at Santiago Bernabéu. As Madridista calculate it as over 4400 days that Los Rojiblancos last won in the Madrid derby, protagonists of that night have come together and give
their views about that historic night.
Atletico centre back, Santiago Denia, remembers that just like the circumstances Gregorio Manzano’s men find themselves in right now, it was a difficult time to make the cross-town visit.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Calderon based outfit were undergoing a difficult time, marred by a loss of form. However, Santi believes that the scenario is always the same and derbies have the element of uncertainty attached to them.
“When we got it, that day it seemed very difficult to win because we were not at the good time. I think all the derbies are very similar," Santi said.
Valeron believes that the results of derbies are unpredictable, the passion in the match cannot be gauged and the players always give a 110 percent in the match.
"At that time we were not very good. It was a little surprise but derbies are always that uncertainty," Valeron said. The Arguineguín born player sat on the bench that night and came on in the final half hour of the match.
A brace from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and another one from Joseph Mari ensured the points for Atletico on that fateful night.
Both former players agree that Real are very strong as compared to Atletico in the Saturday night fixture, and Los Rojiblancos will have to be wary of their oppositions attacking prowess.
"In Real Madrid’s situation, Atletico will have to play a perfect match in every way, especially defensively. And offensively exploit the opportunities they get," Santi said.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-c32503 believes that an astute defence and efficient attack will ensure victory against the Spanish giants as it was the key in their victory.
"The key was the effectiveness in attack. I do not remember we had many chances but we were effective."
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