Next game with Simao: Atletico Madrid will play their Champions League game this Wednesday, August 27, 2008. El Kun Aguero is back from the Olympics. This is the 2nd leg. Atletico had lost at Schalke, Schalke 04 1-0 Atletico Madrid. This is it. About fans saying El Kun is the "savior," coach Javier Aguirre says in today's press-conference (August 26, 2008)
"The squad is aware that we can’t put more pressure on him. I understand that people are saying that he’s a savior, but the team is smart and knows what they have to do at all times. For me, of course, it’s important to coach Atlético de Madrid in Champions League because I was hired to do so."
Coach Javier Aguirre considers this game a 'final' because he says Atletico needs to be present in European competitions.
"This is the most important games since I’ve been manager of Atlético de Madrid for me and my players. It’s the most significant game, which is something I commented to the President, who responded that it was also the most important for him since he took charge. He spoke with the squad and told the players that their obligation was to give their all as the professionals that they are, insisting that they have to fight and battle for this jersey."
19' Sergio 'El Kun' Agüero
Changes: 71' Maniche out, Assuncao in
70' Forlán out, Luis García in
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 11:45 am USA Pacific time
2 Portugal national team players in Atletico Madrid:
Maniche- Played the first 71 minutes. A surprise in the starting lineup. People thought he might transfer and leave Atletico. How he played: According to Marca (Spanish paper) Maniche's attack was not enough and the germans were comfortable to let the minutes pass by." In the post-game press-conference, Coach Javier Aguirre said, "Agüero is a player that brings something different. He's in geat form and a very mature kid for his age. I think that him and Maniche gaves us that necessary injection to get it [victory]."
Simao- Played all 90 minutes. According to Marca (Spanish paper) midfielders Maxi and Simao didn't influence the game in the first 20 minutes. Simao could have scored but his shot hit the bar in the first half.
El 'Niño de Oro' devuelve al Atlético a la elite ----Marca, August 27, 2008
Madrid, Spain, August 27, 2008- Video of goals in Atletico Madrid 2-0 Schalke 04. 19' Sergio 'El Kun' Agüero, 51' Diego Forlán
Guests to watch the game: Diego Armando Maradona, Spain coach Del Bosque, Kiko, Juanma López, Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz (there are 2 Portugal national team players in Atletico: Simao and Maniche). Some changes from the first leg at Gelserkichen. Antonio López, with a yellow card, will be replaced by Pernía. 'Kun' Agüero, is back from the 2008 Beijing Olympics ans will take Sinama Pongolle's place next to Forlán. The big surprise is Maniche in the midfield instead of fellow Portuguese Paulo Assunçao.
Atletico Madrid starting lineup: Leo Franco; Perea, Ujfalusi, Heitinga, Pernía; Raúl García, Maniche, Maxi Rodríguez, Simao; Forlán and 'Kun' Agüero.
Radio Marca (Spanish radio station, Madrid) comments at halftime:
Atletico has El Kun. Schalke also defends bad. Schalke playes better than Atletico but defends badly and can't convert. What does atletico need to do, score and not concede a goal. I think it can be Atletico's game to win. Let's hope Atletico win for history's sake.
Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table. The league starts this weekend.
- Fan of Simao? Your prediction for Atletico Madrid v. Schalke 04?
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