Atletico Madrid 2-2 Eibar
It’s tough playing in a league comprising two teams which, over the past decade, have been considered the best in the world.
Just ask Atletico Madrid!
For some time now they have won football games, sometimes when the betting odds are stacked against them, yet rarely are their achievements recognised for as long as they should be.
Since taking charge at the end of 2011, Diego Simeone has led Los Colchoneros to the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, two Europa League triumphs, the UEFA Super Cup and two Champions League finals.
That is a good return.
Up against the established heavyweights of Barcelona and Real Madrid, that is a fantastic return.
That they continue to punch above their weight, despite the difference in resources compared to their rivals, is always worth remembering.
And so it proved on an afternoon in which there was plenty to celebrate.
Even Kike Garcia’s 35th minute opener could not dampen the mood inside the Wanda Metropolitano.
When Atletico levelled seven minutes later and then went in front on the hour, it could only be one man.
In his final appearance for the club, Fernando Torres marked the occasion with a double as the club paid homage to the striker with a special shirt.
‘From child to legend’ read the message on specially illustrated shirts marking his career with the club in which he progressed from the academy through to the senior team.
It was a fitting send-off and further proof of the Atletico success story, four days after their latest Europa League triumph.
Even with the departing Torres, there is the nucleus of a really successful side which will be further strengthened this summer by Rodri, set to join from Villarreal.
In addition, Diego Costa’s January arrival has clearly made an impact in the second half of the season, shown again he as he set up Torres for his second.
Then there is the spine from goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Diego Godin through to captain Gabi and Antoine Griezmann.
Cheered to the hilt and urged to stay by fans during the Europa League homecoming, it would be a sign of unity should Griezmann spurn the reported advances of champions Barcelona and lead an Atletico assault on La Liga next season.
Let us also remember, irrespective of this result, Atletico had already seen off their city rivals Real Madrid to claim the runners-up spot, another fine achievement to split up the Barca-Real duopoly.
Again, however, it will be largely overlooked
To prove the point I made earlier, that is because Real are bidding for a third successive European crown next weekend.
It’s never easy to be appreciated at this level!
A word for Eibar as they completed another fine season and levelled with a Ruben Pena shot from outside the box, seven minutes after home defender Lucas Hernandez had been shown a second yellow card.
Honours even on the final day of another season in which Spanish clubs ultimately may end up dominating the major honours once again.
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