The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Are Atletico Madrid Cursed?"
Episode Details
- Title: Are Atletico Madrid Cursed?
- Host: Adam Leventhal
- Guests: Thomas Hill, Phil Hay
- Release Date: March 13, 2025
1. Introduction and Context [02:20 - 02:41]
Adam Leventhal kicks off the episode by addressing Atletico Madrid's ongoing struggles in the Champions League. Despite their consistent performances under manager Diego Simeone, Atletico continues to face heartbreak, particularly against their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Key Points:
- Recent loss to Real Madrid via penalty shootout.
- Historical context of Atletico's repeated defeats against Real in crucial stages.
2. The Disallowed Penalty Incident [02:41 - 08:53]
The discussion centers around the controversial disallowance of Julian Alvarez's penalty during the shootout, which was ruled as a double touch by VAR. This decision echoed previous heartbreaks Atletico has faced in the Champions League.
Notable Quotes:
- Phil Hay [04:08]: “...Real Madrid seem to become this hurdle every single time. And in my experience, these ghosts are absolutely real.”
- Thomas Hill [06:11]: “...the decision was made by VAR, but simply by using camera angles rather than anything more advanced... It probably did slightly change the nature of the finish.”
Insights:
- Phil Hay emphasizes the psychological barrier formed by repeated losses.
- Thomas Hill points out the confusion and frustration stemming from VAR's decision, suggesting it altered Atletico's chances in the shootout.
3. The Psychological Barrier and Championship History [08:53 - 19:20]
Adam and guests delve into whether Atletico's struggles are rooted in a psychological "curse" or merely a series of unfortunate events. They trace Atletico's European misfortunes back to the 1974 European Cup final.
Notable Quotes:
- Phil Hay [19:20]: “...the paranoia comes from... losing in crucial moments, like the 1974 final where they were leading but ultimately lost.”
- Thomas Hill [22:24]: “...Atletico are a different side now to the one that Simeone inherited in 2011... it's an achievement in itself.”
Discussion Points:
- Historical defeats and their lingering psychological impact on the team.
- Simeone's transformation of Atletico into a formidable competitor, despite these setbacks.
4. Diego Simeone's Role and Management [21:21 - 32:46]
The conversation shifts to Diego Simeone's influence on Atletico Madrid. While acknowledging his successes, the hosts ponder whether his management style contributes to the team's inability to clinch the Champions League title.
Notable Quotes:
- Thomas Hill [29:15]: “...you can't imagine him anywhere else, really... the questions will be asked about whether another manager could get more out of them.”
- Phil Hay [32:04]: “...I like him a lot. I like his teams a lot. In their own way, they're very easy to admire and to appreciate...”
Insights:
- Simeone is likened to a "Sir Alex Ferguson" figure, integral to Atletico's identity.
- The possibility of Atletico reaching greater heights is tied closely to Simeone's continued leadership.
5. Future Prospects and Overcoming the Curse [26:20 - 33:14]
Looking ahead, the hosts discuss Atletico's remaining fixtures domestically and in Europe. They contemplate whether Atletico can rebound from recent defeats to continue competing for the La Liga title.
Notable Quotes:
- Phil Hay [28:10]: “...they do have a good run of trophies behind them. They have been highly successful. This has been one of the best years...”
- Thomas Hill [33:14]: “...Atletico have just changed the club so much over the time he's been in charge..."
Key Points:
- Atletico faces a challenging schedule with key matches against top rivals.
- Despite European setbacks, Atletico remains a strong contender domestically.
- Potential for redemption hinges on Atletico navigating their current form and upcoming fixtures successfully.
6. Conclusion: Simeone's Legacy and Atletico's Resilience [33:14 - End]
In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on Simeone's indelible mark on Atletico Madrid and the resilient spirit he has instilled in the team. They underscore that while Atletico may be plagued by a "curse" in Europe, their domestic achievements and consistent performances remain commendable.
Notable Quotes:
- Phil Hay [32:46]: “...the perfect fit. Him and Atletico, the fact that they can get over the line in the Champions League is almost incidental...”
- Thomas Hill [33:14]: “...Atletico are a different side now...”
Final Thoughts:
- Simeone's tenure has elevated Atletico to new heights, making them a respected force in European football.
- The "curse" narrative adds a layer of intrigue, but Atletico's continued success domestically ensures their status remains strong.
- Listeners are left to ponder whether Atletico can break free from their Champions League heartbreaks in the future.
Conclusion
The episode "Are Atletico Madrid Cursed?" provides an in-depth analysis of Atletico's recurring challenges in the Champions League, juxtaposed with their domestic successes. Through expert insights from Thomas Hill and Phil Hay, combined with host Adam Leventhal's engaging guidance, the podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the psychological and historical factors influencing Atletico's performances. While the notion of a curse adds a dramatic flair, the discussion ultimately highlights Atletico's resilience and the pivotal role of Diego Simeone in shaping the club's destiny.