Believe in themselves.
There is more than meets the eye with where those words are concerned. Of course if you're going to bother turning up for a final, you have to believe in your ability as a team to win the match. However though, there is another edge to this and that is about Atletico believing they can outplay Real Madrid in this final, and not just be the defensive team who react.
In the two games Atletico have had against Barcelona and Bayern, they have shown that they can play a blend of disciplined defensive football and attractive forward progression. We have seen that Atletico know how to entertain the crowd by playing it quick, direct but with a touch of magic and skill as was shown by Saul's G against Bayern, which is mostly likely going to be the best solo effort in the Champions League season.
The key I think for Atletico winning this game is taking it to Real. Showing their rivals that they can push them back, and have individuals that can just be as definitive in deciding a match like Cristiano and Bale. By doing that, it will push Real back and will also test a defense that's shown it isn't the most resolute. Man City decided they weren't really interested in providing a worthwhile attacking challenge. Simeone has to urge his players to pick their moment to push forward and force a mistake from Ramos and Pepe.
Simeone may have confidence that with the previous meetings they've had, that he can keep them structured,not giving too much away and hitting Real on the break. After all, why fix something that ain't broke?
I look at this as a final which won't have anything to do with their other matches. So Simeone should maintain their mentality, but in the games they played at home against Bayern and Barcelona, that's the kind of approach I want to see in stages of this match. Where Koke, Saul and Griezmann are giving Blondie a lot of support when they attack and put pressure on Madrid.
It just might be the winning surprise that could lead to the downfall of Real. HH
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