‘For me, it wasn’t so much about losing to Real Madrid as it was losing the Champions League final. It’s a scar that stays with you forever’ Atletico Madrid star Saul recounts losing two Champions League finals to rivals Real Madrid

Losing a Champions League final is one of the most painful experiences in football.

So, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that losing two is twice as hard, but what’s worse for Atletico Madrid, is both of their unsuccessful final appearances in modern times have come against their most bitter rivals, Real Madrid.

To add the cherry on top, Atleti were the opponents on the pitch as Los Blancos completed La Decima – their tenth European title.

Saul looks back on “cruel” Champions League experience

Saul is a legend for Los Rojiblancos, with league titles, cups and Europa League triumphs to his name, and he has found further success since, through a Copa Libertadores win with Flamengo.

None of that, however, detracts from the pain of those two nights, according to the midfielder.

“It’s a scar that stays with you forever,” he tells FourFourTwo now. “For me, it wasn’t so much about losing to Real Madrid, as it was losing the Champions League final.

“People have asked whether later winning the Copa Libertadores has lifted that weight off my shoulders. There are players who would feel that way, but personally, one thing doesn’t erase the other.”

Sergio Ramos’ last-minute header sent the 2014 final to extra-time, where Los Blancos blitzed their rivals with three further goals. Painful, yes, but the Saul’s perceived injustice in the showpiece finale two years later stings even more.

“What hurt was the way we lost,” he explained. “Their goal was offside, then we missed a penalty and there was also a possible red card for Real.

“It was cruel. Not winning the Champions League is still a deeply painful feeling.”

Manager Diego Simeone even considered leaving, so painful had the experience been – many will be thankful he didn’t.

“It’s true that he openly talked about the possibility of leaving,” Saul revealed. “He was empty.

“I understood he was hurting, but I remember thinking that it wasn’t the right moment to say something like that. We were all broken.

“For your leader to come out and say that was tough, because it was a time to stick together and try again.”

That is what they did, and while Champions League glory never followed, they do have plenty of silverware to show for it.