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It has been a reasonably successful calendar year for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants won the 2019-20 La Liga title after finishing five points ahead of fierce rival Barcelona, while also lifting the Spanish Super Cup in January.
Zinedine Zidane’s team won the Spanish Super Cup thanks to a victory in the penalty shootout over Atlético de Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
However, Atlético would almost certainly have lifted the trophy if it weren’t for Federico ‘Fede’ Valverde.
If there was an award for ‘the ** thousand moments of 2020’, the Uruguayan would surely deserve it.
With the score at 0-0 in the 114th minute, Atlético striker Álvaro Morata suddenly found himself on target with only Thibaut Courtois to beat.
As he ran into the penalty area, followed by three Real Madrid players, was cynically brought down from behind by Valverde.
Valverde knew what was coming. Referee José Sánchez had no choice but to show the red card.
Check out the incident here …
Morata had been denied a chance to win the trophy for Atleti, who then lost 4-1 on penalties.
Saúl and Thomas Partey failed for Los Rojiblancos, while Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos passed in front of Jan Oblak.
To add insult to injury for Atlético, Valverde subsequently received the Man of the Match award. Amazing.
It has since been reported that Valverde heard Ramos yell “Kill him!” while chasing Morata, which wouldn’t be surprising if it turns out to be true.
In fairness to Simeone, who has had a soft spot for occasional moments of fun throughout his life in soccer, revealed after the game: “I told him [Valverde] He did what he had to do at the time.
“I think the best player award makes a lot of sense because Valverde won the game in this action.”
Simeone’s admirable honesty there. Most of the managers in his position would have been absolutely furious.
Responding to Simeone’s words at the post-match press conference, Valverde said: “I will always treasure the words that Simeone told me today. I am happy for the victory but not for the kick I gave to another player.
“I wish I could have pulled his shirt instead. My teammates congratulated me on my sacrifice for the team, not for kicking someone. “
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