5 of the Best Moments at Vicente Calderon Ahead of Atletico's Move to Wanda Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid play their first, long-awaited game at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, the pristine, cavernous venue that will take the club into their next era.
The Vicente Calderon has gone, soon to be a distant memory, but before then, it seems pertinent to take a look back at some of the best moments at one of Europe's most atmospheric stadiums.
From the historic first goal, scored by the legendary Luis Aragones in 1966, to the superb victories over Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent years, it has not been without its memorable occasions.
5. Luis Aragones' Hat-Trick
One of the earliest, yet most memorable moments at the Vicente Calderon, Luis Aragones' superb individual display was at the centre of one of the club's greatest nights.
The beloved striker almost encapsulated the stadium in its infancy, the vibrancy and excitement surrounding the place for the visit of Cagliari in 1971. Atletico trailed 2-1 from the first leg of the European Cup second round, but they were inspired by their prolific forward, who hit a stunning hat-trick to send them through.
They fell to eventual winners Ajax in the semi-finals, though that did nothing to tarnish the memory of Aragones' brilliance.
4. The Barcelona Comeback
At 3-0 down, against Johan Cruyff's Dream Team, it seemed all over. Even the Calderon was made silent by the subtle brilliance of the visitors.
A Romario hat-trick had put Barcelona 3-0 up at the break, and any hope of even a respectable defeat looked slim. But what happened was unimaginable. Atletico came from behind, not just to level, but to win, two goals from Kosecky, one from Pedro, and the late winner from Caminero.
Unsurprisingly, it sparked pandemonium, and established Caminero as a club legend.
3. Victory Over Albacete
The title winning season of 1995/96 was a special one for a number of reasons, not least because it was secured with a final day victory at the Calderon.
It was Atletico's first La Liga success for 19 years, and there would not be another for a further 18. Fittingly, Diego Simeone scored the opener against Albacete, and celebrated in typically demonstrative fashion. And when Kiko scored the second there was delirium among the raucous home supporters.
This was a rare title - Atletico won just five over the course of their half a century stay at the Calderon - and it was savoured.
2. The Thrashing of Real Madrid
This was perhaps Atletico's finest hour in the Madrid derby, a rivalry in which they have generally be considered the less reputable, less successful, and impoverished underdogs.
In February 2015, they were emphatically superior. One of the most memorable home games of Diego Simeone's time as coach, Atletico were at their best, powering past Real Madrid in a 4-0 victory in which Tiago, Saul Niguez, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic scored the goals.
It encapsulated the attrition, the tenacity of Simeone's Atleti, all instigated by the cacophonous noise of the home supporters.
1. Eliminating Bayern
It was a spectacular European night, and a spectacular victory for Atletico. The Calderon was at its best as Los Colchoneros saw off Bayern Munich with a 1-0 first leg semi-final victory, and went on to reach the final of the Champions League.
There are few games that have better captured the spirit of Simeone's Atletico, and indeed the link between the team and the stadium. Pep Guardiola's side were expertly restricted, and the noise, unsurprisingly, was jarring.
Along with victories over Barcelona, the Bayern win could be the most memorable of many superb European evenings at the Calderon.
