MADRID — Two years ago, Atlético Madrid was the surprise team of the European soccer season.
Even without a global star like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, it edged past Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two powerhouses of Spanish soccer, to win the Spanish league, La Liga. Atlético then came within moments of beating Real Madrid in its first Champions League final since 1974 before eventually wilting in extra time. (Real won, 4-1, and claimed a record 10th European title.)
On Saturday, Atlético will once more challenge Real in a Champions League final, but this time it will not enter as an outsider, even against its far richer and more prestigious crosstown rival.