Julian Alvarez scoring his equalizer in the Copa del Rey final. Photo from Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid fans were pulled between hope and heartbreak, living the highest of highs and lowest of lows in just three days.

From qualifying to the Champions League semifinals on April 14 to losing the Copa del Rey final on April 18, Atleti fans felt it all. 

But they know, this is what it means to be Atletico.

One moment you’re on top of the world, celebrating a victory over Barcelona in the Champions League that secured their place among the four best teams in Europe. 

The next, crushed after losing the Copa del Rey final on penalties. 

This was the third time Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid have lost a final on penalties. Since 2012, the Rojiblancos have been to 11 finals. They’ve only won six. But that hasn’t shaken the pride the Colchoneros feel for their team.

That’s the reality of being an Atletico fan. You get used to coming up short. You learn to live with heartbreak. But you never stop believing.

Ademola Lookman celebrating his goal in the Copa del Rey final. Photo from Atletico Madrid.

Sometimes it feels like a curse. Atletico deserved it on Saturday, but sometimes soccer’s unfair. They were the better side, but two lapses in defense cost them the title. Conceding a goal in the first 14 seconds of the match is unacceptable. So is the clumsy challenge by Juan Musso that conceded a penalty as the first half was coming to a close. It’s hard to play the whole game chasing a goal. But man did this team fight. 

They gave it their all that night in Sevilla. They went to war. 

That’s what makes Atleti fans so proud. It’s not about dwelling on the loss, but taking pride in the team for even making it to the final and having the chance to compete for a trophy. 

Atletico reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013, that’s one hell of a thing to be proud of. 

They’re also among the top four teams in Europe. As Simeone put it, “Do you know how nice it is to be in the Champions League semifinals? They don’t know how good it is, they don’t know how good it is. To be among the top four in Europe? Incredible, amazing.”

It’s beautiful being an Atleti fan. While questions of Simeone’s future at Atletico remain, this season has been nothing short of remarkable and I, just like so many others, am so proud of Simeone and his men. 

Atletico Madrid’s season isn’t over yet. They still have a chance to do something that hasn’t been done in the club’s history. Win a Champions League. Three more games to etch themselves in history. 

Nunca dejes de creer. 

Aupa Atleti.