The jump from the youth team to the first team is a transition that not everyone makes. However, three Atletico Madrid academy graduates are determined to prove their worth against their former team this Saturday. Are they ready for the surprise? We analyze the keys to the match with them: Aitor Puñal, Luis Acosta and Alberto Soto. Marca attends Marbella FC’s penultimate training session ahead of the cup clash against Atletico, who many consider to be the best version of the team in the last 30 years. A fair place that the protagonists of this report could not reach…
Face their old team
The trio reflect on their past and what this match means to them: “It’s an exciting match that everyone wants to be a part of, especially those of us who have a history at this club. The important thing is that Marbella progresses and may the show triumph,” Puñal said before Acosta spoke: “For me, beyond facing the team I played for in my youth, it’s also a bit about revenge I left through the back door. after some really good years, and honestly, I would really like to win this game for myself and for my team.”
“The important thing is that Marbella progresses and that the show triumphs”
Atitor Puñal
Soto delivers a similar message: “For me it will also be a very special match; I had some really wonderful years at Atletico, and as Luis said, I also want revenge to show that I ‘could have been there and continued my career.’
The Academy of Atletico
Everyone agrees that succeeding in such a demanding academy is difficult: “For me, it’s definitely one of the best; the level is very high, and it’s difficult to get opportunities that “We could receive elsewhere more quickly,” says Soto before Acosta adds: “Indeed, the proof is in the few players who manage to move from the youth ranks to the first team and establish there In recent years they have been. one of the three best clubs in Spain, and that weighs heavily.” To conclude, Puñal adds: “I believe that, because of the club’s philosophy, it is a very demanding academy, which means that a player has limited chances to show his skills and win promotion—when you get a chance, you have to make the most of it.”
“In recent years they have been one of the three best clubs in Spain, and that weighs heavily”
Luis Acosta
Best memories
Puñal begins to recall his best memories: “In my case, there were two periods—the youth phase where we won a treble and the experience of being called up for the pre-season with the first team in Singapore .” Acosta continues: “For me, it was the experience of leaving my home in Cádiz and spending six years there, living in a residence with teammates who had the same goal as me—to become professional players. I I would definitely relive this experience!” Soto concludes: “I have very fond memories of my second year competing with the youth team. I think that year was the year I enjoyed Football the most, and with my friends in the residence, I spent four years there, and they were like family I cherish those memories.
Contact with former teammates
In this case, all three speak simultaneously: “Without a doubt, we have great friends from that time we spent together, some are even in the first team now.” Then, they discuss what it’s like to face their former teammates: “During the match, there are no friends; after it ends, we can share a Coke or something, but during that it’s ongoing, there’s no friendship that matters,” Puñal says, eliciting laughs of agreement from Luis and Alberto.
How they imagine the shock
“The match is going to be difficult. After all, it is a Primera Division team that comes to win. We have to play our game and go for victory; the team is only focused on winning and progressing to the next round. In the end, it’s football, and surprises can happen, we will have our chances, and we have to take them, that’s all,” Puñal said before Acosta added: “I think that’s it. really boils down to the idea of having fun and to compete; football today is about details Even if you come up against a top division team, especially a league leader, competing and enjoying it are the keys. There will always be opportunities, and that. has happened several times in cups where the humblest team beat the strongest, especially with the current format.”
“I am convinced that it will be a high-intensity match”
Soto concludes: “I am convinced that it will be a high intensity match, but at times we will be able to dominate the game and the chances without fear, knowing that it is just another match. We have more desire than our opponent; “I’ve never played in such an important match, and I think it will work in our favor.”
The atmosphere at La Rosaleda
“I am convinced, as a Malaga local, that La Rosaleda will fully support Marbella, turning the stands into a twelfth player,” said Soto before Acosta added: “Absolutely, it will be a celebration. It’s a beautiful place, and having the crowd behind you would be amazing, adding to our advantage.”
Physical condition
Physical condition will be a key factor. Acosta on the group: “For sure! I speak for myself and, I believe, for my teammates; we have a lot of confidence and excitement. After this, whatever happens, it’s destiny who will decide, but in terms of expectations, no one exceeds us,” he remarks before Puñal adds: “The team has prepared well, knows how they want to play, and likes to play that way. I believe this will benefit us.”
Message to supporters
Young people from all the academies in the Malaga province are expected to come and support them, so they have a message for the fans. Puñal begins: “I would tell them that no matter what happens, keep going. Football has its ups and downs, but the effort to improve every day is worth it to achieve your goals.” Acosta continues: “Football is a roller coaster, both for better and for worse; changes happen quickly; you can change categories in one season, but you must not lose hope. In the end, if you work hard, the rewards will come,” before Soto finished: “I would say stay calm and trust yourself Football always gives you an opportunity, and giving up is never an option.
The future of their careers
There is no doubt that their shared message to conclude is: “Climb the ladder with Marbella.”
