Atletico Madrid stars Jose Gimenez and Jan Oblak appealed to the squad won’t be willing to give Real Madrid a guard of honor before their derby clash next weekend.
When they meet at Wanda Metropolitano, Diego Simeone’s side is unlikely to pay homage to the freshly crowned Liga winners.
The Blancos won their 35th Liga title with a 4-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday, reclaiming the trophy from Atletico Madrid, who won it in 2020-21.
On May 8, Atletico will host the freshly crowned champions at Wanda Metropolitano, but Diego Simeone’s team may not cheer their opponents onto the pitch as is customary.
What has Atletico Madrid said about the honor guard?
Jose Gimenez, an Atletico defender, questioned reporters about a possible homage to their Madrid rivals: “Is there going to be a guard of honour for Real Madrid? We congratulate them, but we hold our fans in high respect.”
Oblak reiterated his teammates’ concerns but said that the team will adhere to any protocols the club establishes prior to the game.
“As captain, I’m not one of those who enjoy giving or receiving the guard of honour,” the Atletico goalkeeper explained. “The club will make the decision, and we’ll do whatever is required.”
This season, how has Atletico performed?
Both Gimenez and Oblak spoke following Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 loss at Athletic Club on Sunday, which puts them four points behind fifth-placed Real Betis despite having played one more game.
Simeone’s side has been inconsistent throughout the 2021-22 season, which is now doomed to conclude without a title, and they can’t afford to lose to Madrid next week if they want to qualify for the Champions League.
Madrid won 35th La Liga Title
With a 4-0 win over Espanyol at home, Real Madrid won their 35th La Liga title, and Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to win all five major European competitions.
Thousands of people turned out to watch the Carnival champions parade in Rio de Janeiro, where the six greatest samba schools from the event performed.
