I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Di Stefano later recalled: "In my era, Real Madrid’s main rival was Atletico Madrid. Barcelona was too far from us, and playing against them was like going through the motions. But the matches against Atletico Madrid were enduring battles, and you had to find ways to win against them. Otherwise, the next day, you’d be ridiculed by Atletico fans at work, bars, or in the streets."

Now, under the leadership of the current president Florentino, Real Madrid is soaring, bringing in international stars like Zidane, Ronaldo, and Beckham, most recently signing C. Ronaldo, Bellingham, and Mbappe. Today, Real Madrid boasts approximately half a billion fans worldwide, with annual revenues exceeding one billion Euros.

Sanchez, a Real Madrid executive, said: "We’re like a blockbuster film," akin to "Men in Black" or our own "Men in White." We have a captivating story, an epic production, and the most attractive stars."

In the 2000s, Atletico Madrid was once in the second division, burdened with debts amounting to 500 million Euros.

However, the city derby provides them with an opportunity—at least twice a year in the same league—to defeat their wealthier neighbors.

Atletico legend Rodriguez said: "The first thing all Atletico fans will do is look at the calendar to see when they can face Real Madrid. Some even feel that defeating Real Madrid is more important than winning trophies."

Even after Simeone led the team to end their long winless streak against Real Madrid, many Atletico fans felt that this disadvantage had become their advantage.

In 2014, Atletico midfielder Mendes said: "These are tough times, but people recognize us because we are fighting against many difficulties. We’re like Robin Hood."

During Simeone’s 15-year tenure, the club made significant progress, moving into the new, splendid Metropolitano Stadium in 2017, distancing themselves from past hardships.

The current Spanish King Felipe VI and Madrid Mayor Almeida are both Atletico fans. Nonetheless, Atletico still lags economically—the club’s revenue last season was only 459 million Euros, less than half of their rival’s.

The Derby de Madrid has become a major attraction in European football—both teams often reach the final stages of the Champions League.

In the 2014 Champions League final held in Lisbon, Simeone’s Atletico Madrid almost clinched victory, but in the dying moments of the game, Real Madrid captain Chen Zhong scored a header in the 93rd minute to equalize.

Ultimately, Real Madrid defeated a dejected Atletico with a 4-1 win in extra time.

Two years later in Milan, Atletico Madrid was once again close to winning the Champions League.

After extra time, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, but in the penalty shootout, Atletico’s right-back Juanfran missed a critical shot. It is worth noting that Juan Fran was spotted by Real Madrid during his youth.

In recent years, the relationship between the two clubs has grown increasingly tense. One reason is Atletico’s emergence as a genuine competitor domestically and in Europe.

Another reason is Real Madrid’s frequent recruitment raids, enticing young talents from Atletico’s youth academy to switch sides. In this city where football is the number one sport, both teams are intensely focused, making it difficult not to fall into this competitive relationship.

Now Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Courtois was signed by Chelsea in 2011 but was loaned to Atletico Madrid until 2014, then spent four years at Chelsea before transferring to Real Madrid.

Later, Atletico fans interpreted some remarks by Courtois as being disrespectful to his former club.

During the derby clash last October, fans threw objects at Courtois from the stands at the Metropolitano Stadium, causing the match to be suspended for 20 minutes.

What’s worse, Real Madrid star Vinicius was subjected to racial slurs.

In September 2022, before and after a match at the Metropolitano Stadium, this Brazilian player was subjected to racist attacks. The following January, a mannequin resembling Vinicius was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. Although Atletico Madrid condemned the racist behaviours, they did not use the strongest language to express their stance.

In recent weeks, the fairness of refereeing has become a public topic of debate between Real Madrid coach Ancelotti and Atletico Madrid coach Simeone.

Real Madrid believes Spanish referees are biased towards their team.

Simeone dismisses this, saying that at Bernabeu, the decisions have been favoring Real Madrid "for a hundred years."

Last month’s La Liga derby between the two teams saw Atletico Madrid awarded a controversial penalty, with differing opinions from both sides that are still being debated today.

Fans are ready with tifo (large banners), and the history and mutual animosity between both sides might make the intensity of this match exceed expectations.

And Simeone is prepared to conquer his inner demons.

His sole remaining nemesis is Chen Zhong.