Enrique Cerezo Plays Down Barcelona Tension as Atlético Prepare for La Liga Showdown
Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo struck a confident but measured tone ahead of his club’s eagerly anticipated La Liga meeting with Barcelona, describing the fixture as difficult while insisting that relations between the two clubs remain positive. Speaking to AS at the traditional directors’ lunch before the match, Cerezo said Atlético would approach the contest with their familiar aim: to compete for all three points.
“My feelings are good today, but today’s match is difficult,” he said. “As always, we will try to win it.” His comments captured the balance of expectation surrounding one of Spanish football’s biggest fixtures: confidence in Atlético’s ambition, alongside respect for a Barcelona side he considers among Europe’s strongest.
Cerezo says the Julián Álvarez issue is settled
Much of the pre-match discussion has focused on Julián Álvarez and the recent subject of his relationship with Barcelona. Cerezo rejected the idea that the matter remains an active source of tension, saying the clubs had already exchanged what they needed to say.
“With Barcelona, the Julián Álvarez matter was resolved at the time. We said what we had to say, and that was the end of it,” he explained. The Atlético president added that there was no reason to keep revisiting the issue before the match, shifting attention instead to the player’s performance on the pitch.
When asked whether Álvarez should be the star of the evening, Cerezo responded with a light touch: if journalists expected him to take centre stage, then he would have to do so. The remark placed the spotlight firmly on the forward, whose movement, finishing and ability to influence high-pressure matches could prove important in a contest likely to be decided by fine margins.
Cerezo was equally direct when asked whether a goal could serve as an apology to the player. “Not one goal, but two,” he joked, referring to Álvarez scoring twice against Barcelona. The comment added a playful note to the build-up, while underlining the president’s confidence in Atlético’s attacking options.
“Our relationship is good with all football clubs”
Asked about Atlético’s wider relationship with Barcelona, Cerezo made clear that he does not regard the clubs as being at odds. He said Atlético maintain good relations with football clubs throughout Spain, from the top divisions to regional levels.
“Our relationship is good with all football clubs in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth regional divisions,” he said. The broad answer reinforced his message that the Álvarez discussion should not be mistaken for a lasting dispute between the two institutions.
Cerezo also acknowledged that Atlético supporters have the right to express their own views. Fans, he said, will decide for themselves whether they have anything to say about the player or the situation. However, from the club’s perspective, he believes the matter has been fully put to rest.
That distinction is significant in the build-up to a high-profile match. While club officials may consider an issue closed, supporters can continue to shape the atmosphere inside the stadium. For Álvarez, the clearest response may therefore come through his contribution during the game—whether that means scoring, creating chances or helping Atlético press Barcelona’s defence.
Respect for Barcelona, but Atlético remain in the title race
Despite backing his team to compete, Cerezo was careful not to underestimate the visitors. He described Barcelona as a “good team” and went further, calling them one of the best sides in Europe, if not the best. That assessment reflects the scale of the challenge Atlético face, particularly in a match where Barcelona’s technical quality and attacking depth can punish even brief lapses.
Asked whether Atlético can compete with Barcelona for the league title, Cerezo gave a concise answer: “We are competing, for the moment… we are competing.” His wording suggested confidence without making a bold prediction about the eventual outcome. The league campaign is still long, and a single result—even one with major significance—will not decide the title race.
A win could nonetheless give Atlético a valuable lift and potentially place them at the top of the standings. Cerezo played down the importance of reaching first place at this stage, noting that his club have been top before and that plenty of football remains to be played. He did, however, concede that leading the table before an international break would be preferable to entering it from a lower position.
For supporters considering a match prediction, the president’s comments point to a contest that Atlético expect to approach aggressively but with respect for Barcelona’s quality. The result may depend on how well the hosts manage the visitors’ possession, whether Atlético can turn pressure into clear chances, and which side makes better use of key moments.
Regular contact with Laporta and a packed stadium schedule
Cerezo also dismissed any suggestion that he would avoid Barcelona president Joan Laporta before the match. The two executives have spoken regularly since taking on their roles, he said, and there was no reason that tradition should change on this occasion.
The fixture calendar has also placed Atlético and Barcelona on course to meet twice within a short period. Cerezo described that as a consequence of the schedule and the draw, rather than something either club could control. For players and coaches, closely spaced meetings can create an extra tactical dimension: teams have little time to conceal weaknesses or surprise their opponents with major changes.
Asked what Real Madrid supporters might want from the match, Cerezo declined to speculate, saying that question should be put to them directly. His answer kept the focus on Atlético and Barcelona rather than the wider rivalries surrounding the Spanish title race.
Finally, Cerezo was asked whether the National Football League could bring an American football event to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. He said he did not know whether the stadium could take on additional commitments, given the number of events already planned there. The response highlighted the growing demand for major venues, which must balance football fixtures with concerts and other sporting occasions.
For now, Atlético’s attention is on the pitch. Cerezo has presented the match as a demanding but exciting test, insisted that relations with Barcelona are sound and backed Álvarez to answer questions through his performance. Whether the forward delivers the two goals the president jokingly called for—or whether another player becomes the decisive figure—will help shape the night’s result and the next chapter of the La Liga title race.
