Atletico Madrid will host Barcelona on Wednesday in what is expected to be a competitive conclusion to the Copa del Rey semifinals, especially after a dramatic first leg in February that ended in a 4-4 draw.

One, maybe surprising, player has become Madrid’s savior in times of need, and he appeared once again in the Copa thriller.

Kylián Mbappé has scored twice to help Real Madrid outgun a feisty Leganes 3-2 and provisionally pull level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero could reportedly be prised away from the club for a cut-price fee in the summer transfer window, as both Atletico and Real Madrid continue to circle for the Argentine.

Impact of Exaggeration: On the other hand, supporters of Real Madrid contend that Alvarez was indeed impeded, and the award of a penalty was justified, especially under the scrutiny of high-level matches where players may accentuate fouls to draw attention.

Diego Simeone is the most important figure in Atlético Madrid's history. Lose to Barça, however, and that legacy will become about what could have been.

One of Europe's perennial European greats, Atletico Madrid are the dangerous third wheel to La Liga's leading lights of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

On a starry night in Lisbon, at the Estádio da Luz, Real Madrid staged a dramatic comeback, triumphing 4-1 over city rivals Atletico Madrid to secure their tenth UEFA Champions League trophy. This victory not only solidifies Real Madrid's status in European football but also heralds the dawn of a new era for the club.