On February 11th, 2014, Atletico Madrid will have the last chance to salvage their Copa del Rey hopes when they face a high-flying Cristiano-Ronaldo-led Real Madrid side at the Vicente Calderón.
Los Rojiblancos were humiliated 3-0 in the reverse fixture in a game that was marred by incidents of violent conduct especially by Real players. Nonetheless, despite missing key players Tiago, David Villa, Filipe Luis, Mario Suarez and Thibaut Courtois through injury and hitman Diego Costa through suspension, every Atleti player will know there is no excuse for a lax performance.
Real Madrid 3-0 Atletico Madrid | Match Highlights | Copa del Rey 1st leg
Talisman Diego Costa's 1st leg yellow means he can't participate in the 2nd leg
Diego Simeone's men have taken the La Liga by storm this season, topping the table for the first time since 1966 after handing out a 4-0 footballing lesson to Sociedad on Feb 2nd, but are now in a difficult moment having lost two games against Real and Almeria respectively.
"The team is gutted," said their captain, Gabi.
"But you have to raise your head, work harder if possible to remove this slump soon after two matches. Let's see the power this team has overcome it.
"Now we have to be united more than ever. We have been in a privileged position and we are lucky to still be there and we will fight because this little bad run is costing us points."
Coach Diego Simeone also had some words: "I want my team to be uncomfortable [to play against] for all of our rivals."
"I would invite my players, the club and the fans not to look for excuses, but to work even harder."
