face to face with history and a curse against FC Barcelona

Soccer has reminiscence. And when a Copa del Rey semi-final approaches, the reminiscence weighs greater than ever. Diego Pablo Simeone is aware of it and assumes it. The Atlético de Madrid coach as soon as once more seems to be head to head with historical past. He’s on the lookout for what can be his second cup remaining as a rojiblanco coach. The primary was gained in 2012-13 in opposition to José Mourinho’s Actual Madrid.

Now the objective is Seville in 2026. The winner of the cross between Athletic Membership and Actual Sociedad awaits there. However first you must survive a Camp Nou with a thirst for revenge. The colchoneros have been enduring a media wave in opposition to them in a fairly aggressive means, as a result of delight and ego of the Barcelona followers, who’re precisely a photocopy of what the Actual Madrid followers are.

An injured Camp Nou that cries out for a “comeback”

In Can Barça, the 4-0 within the first leg was categorised as “humiliating” and “shameful.” These round FC Barcelona haven’t stopped repeating the phrase “comeback”. On social networks and boards, the message is insistent. Atlético is often the article of gossip for a part of Barcelona followers. They take into account them an inferior staff, one thing that’s supported by the 13-point distinction within the league standings.

That context feeds the Barça narrative. There may be additionally discomfort in regards to the arbitration. In Barcelona they take into account that “for as soon as” it was not favorable to them. And when that occurs, the equipment is activated. Nonetheless, there’s one reality that doesn’t match with the culé euphoria. Simeone has not gained as a coach in 18 visits to the Camp Nou, however he has by no means misplaced by 4 targets distinction. Neither with Atlético nor throughout his time at Sevilla FC.

The precedents that invite calm

As a participant, the Argentine did know win on the Camp Nou on two events. That reminiscence contrasts together with his time on the bench, the place the outcomes have been different, however by no means with a 4-0 loss. That nuance helps the phrase “calm.” Simeone’s Atlético would go with any of the markers he has signed in these 18 visits as coach. Even in adversarial situations, the staff competed and scored.

Simeone’s Atlético would go with any of the outcomes they’ve obtained of their 18 visits to the Camp Nou (As a coach, as a participant they’ve gained on one event, along with successful the Zaragoza Last)

2012/13 4-12013/14 0-02013/14 1-12013/14 1-12014/15 3-12014/15… pic.twitter.com/nepDtLnJjW

— ⚽Juan⚽ (@Juanarrien9) March 2, 2026

The one one which achieved a 4-0 with out conceding in opposition to Barcelona was Atlético del Cholo itself. Moreover, the Argentine has by no means, neither as a participant nor as a coach, misplaced by 4 targets in a Barça fiefdom. That element explains why within the crimson and white locker room nobody talks about an unattainable feat.

They discuss competing. Simeone is head to head with historical past. The Camp Nou presses, the “comeback” resounds and the league distinction weighs. However the numbers help a transparent message: there are actual causes to consider.