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It had to be. It simply had to be.
It only makes sense, it is only logical, that if Atlético Madrid are to capture the elusive European Cup at long last, it will have to be done by eliminating one particular team.
And UEFA’s Champions League semifinal draw Friday lunchtime has ensured that Atlético must do exactly that and eliminate that one particular team.
The one side that has endlessly tormented Atlético and its supporters in the quest for Champions League glory will stand once more in the way in next month’s semifinal.
We don’t need to rehash the history, the last three years. You know the history, the incredibly damaging ways this one team has managed to escape and come out on top against Atlético in this competition.
But Atleti have gotten up off the mat each time, and have been rewarded with yet another chance to solve the holders, the 11-time winners, los acérrimos rivales, los blancos.
It’s the only way.
Knock out Real Madrid.
The first leg will take place at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on May 2. The return leg will mark the final Madrid Derby and European game at Estadio Vicente Calderón, and it will kick off May 10.