LISBON, Portugal -- Atletico Madrids only previous European Cup final appearance
branded the club with the nickname that has come to encapsulate its penchant for
misfortune.
Nike Roshe Run Bloemen . Beating Real Madrid
in the Champions League final on Saturday may finally put that moniker to rest.
Atletico was on the cusp of winning the European Cup on its first appearance in
the final in 1974, leading Bayern Munich 1-0 in extra time after Luis Aragones
curled home in the 114th-minute at Heysel Stadium. The Spanish club was clinging
on until defender Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck stepped up to smash home a powerful
right-footed equalizer from outside the area in the 120th-minute. Without
penalties to decide the champion, a replay was scheduled just two days later in
Brussels. But having experienced the title slipping from its grasp in such
fashion proved too much for Atletico, and it lost 4-0 to a team featuring Franz
Beckenbauer and Gerd Mueller. Following the defeat, president Vicente Calderon
termed Atletico "the jinxed ones" or "pupas." "We practically had the trophy in
our hands," said Atletico goalkeeper Miguel Reina, father of Spain international
Pepe, reminiscing of what could have been before Schwarzenbecks low shot beat
him. The loss seems to have had a long-lasting effect on the club. "Atleticos
history may have been different with that title, which was the first for
Bayern," said former striker Jose Eulogio Garate, who played in that final 40
years ago. Atleticos history is filled with success and clouded by unnecessary
turmoil and disorder. Such is Atleticos knack for dramatics that the team hymn
includes the phrase: "What a Way to Suffer." One of the most famous advertising
campaigns in Spain featured a young child looking up at his father to ask
"Daddy, why do we support Atleti?" The father looks off in thought before the
phrase "Its hard to explain" takes over the screen. During its Spanish league
title winning run this season, Atletico did the near unthinkable -- it did not
stumble or implode as might have been expected. Instead, coach Diego Simeones
team showed the verve of a champion and a knack for coming through when it
counted to secure a fourth major trophy since 2009/10 -- following two Europa
League titles and a Copa del Rey. "The club is growing. Were pushing forward,
building a stronger team, getting better -- despite the economic differences in
this league," said Simeone, who has also relied on one of the top qualities of
the 1974 team -- strength on the counter attack. Atletico won the
Intercontinental Cup after Bayern spurned its invite, and it has an impressive
trophy haul overall: 10 Spanish league titles, 10 Copa del Reys, one Cup Winners
Cup, two Europa Leagues and two European Super Cups. "Its been seven or eight
years now that pupas doesnt follow us anymore," Atletico president Enrique
Cerezo said after the club secured its first league title since 1996 last
Saturday. "When Calderon labeled the team that, it certainly was at that time.
Maybe now they should call us the good luck ones." That could be difficult as
Atletico almost seems to embrace the nickname at times, like when it celebrated
the 40th anniversary of its lone European Cup final defeat last week. "Atletico
does represent something different, something special," said Spanish coach
Javier Irureta, who played against Bayern. "Usually they only organize homages
for champions, not for the losers. "But the club is like that."
Nike Roshe Run Blauw Dames . Liriano pitched
in and out of trouble in his duel with Josh Beckett, and Ike Davis homered to
help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 Friday night.
Nike Roshe Run Grijs Heren . -- Von Miller is
back -- and bigger than ever.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Steven Jackson is back on the
practice fields for the first time in almost a month, providing hope the Atlanta
Falcons starting running back can be ready for the season opener. Jackson had
not practiced since July 28, when he hurt his right hamstring. On the following
day, coach Mike Smith said the injury wasnt serious and Jackson would be ready
for the Sept. 7 opener againsst New Orleans.
Nike Roshe One Zwart. The Falcons have taken
a cautious approach to Jacksons comeback. He missed four games with a left
hamstring injury last season. Jacquizz Rodgers has started at running back in
Atlantas first three preseason games. Anton Smith and rookie Devonta Freeman
have been the top backups. The Falcons play their final preseason game at
Jacksonville on Thursday night.
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