Atletico Captain Koke Reflects on Past Glories Before Key Week
Following a 2-0 win in the opening match at Camp Nou, Atletico skipper Koke, a product of the youth setup who featured in their Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016, both achieved by overcoming Barca in the quarter-finals, highlighted the significance of the upcoming days.
"Clearly, this could become a defining moment in our records," Koke stated during a media briefing on Monday. "Making it to the semi-finals once more after such a long time would be remarkable, and we are not dwelling on the Cup final for now. We must approach this game like it is the ultimate showdown."
The 33-year-old Koke looked back on his decisive strike from 2014 that knocked out Barcelona.
"I have reviewed it numerous times," he mentioned. "In big games like these, those recollections motivate you to push harder."
While Atleticos performance in the cup this term has been solid, their efforts in LaLiga have waned. Back-to-back losses against Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla have dashed their championship aspirations, although manager Simeone has shuffled the squad extensively in those fixtures to focus on cup competitions.
Barcelona top the standings with 79 points, holding a nine-point edge over Real Madrid. Villarreal sit third with 61 points, while Atletico are fourth on 57, eleven points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, with seven matches left and a spot in next seasons Champions League virtually guaranteed.
Barcelona, down by two goals, head to a venue where Atletico have suffered just three defeats across all tournaments this season, with none exceeding a one-goal margin.
"It is understandable that they feel optimistic. However, my fellow players are fully motivated, they hold the rivals in high regard, yet they are set on securing victory," Koke noted. "Barcelona are a side that dominate and apply intense pressure, so we must demonstrate resilience in holding the ball."
Atletico aim to claim their first major domestic trophy since 2013, facing Sociedad on Saturday.