Atletico prepare for a pivotal Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. At the customary pre-match directors’ lunch, Rojiblancos president Enrique Cerezo voiced his confidence in victory, calling the encounter a “historic opportunity”.
Enrique Cerezo, president of Atletico Madrid, affirmed on Tuesday that the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal represents “a historic opportunity”, insisting the club is “convinced we’ll win”.
Speaking to Spanish media outside the Emirates Stadium ahead of the directors’ lunch with Arsenal, Cerezo joked about the unusually early start, remarking that he had never eaten so early, with the meal set for 11:30 am local time (10:30 GMT).
“When they visit Madrid, we’ll schedule it for three in the afternoon,” Cerezo quipped, before turning his focus to the tie, which remains 1-1 after the first leg at the Metropolitano.
“There’s always pressure, but we need to stay calm. It’s a demanding match. In 90 minutes, one of us will reach the final and it won’t be easy, but we’re accustomed to these moments and I’m confident things will go our way. These matches are always a battle, but we have complete faith in the team and I’m convinced we’ll win tonight. We’ve triumphed in London before, now it’s time to make history again with different teams – next up is Bayern, and that’s how we relive past eras,” he stated.
Asked about Argentine Julian Alvarez, who has been managing an ankle problem, Cerezo noted he looked in good shape during Monday’s trip to London.
“It’s a historic opportunity because reaching the final means making history. We’re full of hope. The players are hugely excited and everyone wants to be in the final,” Cerezo concluded.
