Atletico Madrid president wants to face Real Madrid in another Champions League final | OneFootball

There is no debate over Real Madrid being the kings of the UEFA Champions League. With 15 scalps to their name, they are well clear of competition and the perennial favourites in the event.

Their neighbours, Atletico de Madrid, however, have not enjoyed half as much luck in the event. Los Rojiblancos, in fact, are yet to get their hands on the elusive trophy for the first time.

The Colchoneros have made it to the final of the prestigious event thrice – once in 1973/74, and then again in 2013-14 and 2015-16. In the latter two instances, their opponent was Real Madrid and the result did not go in their favour.

When the two teams faced off in Lisbon in 2014, Atletico Madrid were leading until extra time when a Sergio Ramos header equalised the score in the 93rd minute. Real Madrid then went on to win 4-1 in extra-time.

Real Madrid have beaten Atletico in two UCL finals. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Two years later, the game once again went down to the wire as the two teams were tied 1-1 after extra time. In the resultant shootout, it was again Real Madrid who reigned supreme.

Atletico Madrid president speaks

Speaking on Telecincoes (h/t ElDesmarque), Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo emphasised that he wished to play Los Blancos once more in the UCL final, hoping to exact revenge for the team’s previous shortcomings.

“Now the Champions League begins. Our unfinished business. The fourth time will be the charm,” said Cerezo.

When asked if he was nervous about the possibility of facing Real Madrid in another final, the Atletico Madrid president replied:

“It’s not that it makes me more nervous, it’s that we need it.”

Needless to say, it will be a spectacle to watch the Madrid Derby being played for the biggest trophy in the game once more.

With the UCL format changed this time around, both teams must play eight different opponents in the league stage to qualify for the knockouts.

Only the knockout draw will ascertain at what stage the two Spanish giants will face off if they both make it that far.