Atletico Madrid chief laments Mbappe’s absence in Super Cup derby: ‘I prefer the best to play’

With the Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid looming large, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo stepped into the spotlight to share his thoughts on the derby. 

Speaking before the high-stakes encounter, Cerezo touched on everything from past clashes to current challenges, offering his perspective ahead of another Madrid showdown.

Reflecting first on recent history between the two sides, Cerezo was careful not to read too much into Atletico’s emphatic 5-2 win over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano earlier this season. 

While that result remains fresh in the memory, the president stressed that derby matches have a life of their own, especially in knockout competitions. 

“Every derby is different, especially in a two-leg competition like this. It’ll be a good game,” he said, according to AS. 

Cerezo then addressed what this match represents for Atletico Madrid at this stage of the season. 

After an inconsistent league campaign, the Super Cup offers a chance to reset and refocus ambitions. Speaking about the importance of the derby, he explained, 

“It means getting back on track after a league season where we’ve been all over the place… Getting back on track and aiming to win titles.” 

Cerezo’s prediction

Asked to share his outlook for the match, the Atletico president struck an optimistic tone. 

Enrique Cerezo has reflected on the Madrid derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We’re going to play a great game and we’re going to go out there to win, as always. 

“Another thing is that we need that little bit of luck that we’ve been lacking at other times…” 

Cerezo also commented on the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who has been ruled out through injury. 

Rather than seeing it as an advantage, the Atletico chief expressed disappointment that one of football’s biggest stars would not feature. 

“I prefer the best players to play. It’s a shame that Mbappe could not come because he’s injured. I would have loved for him to play.”

Finally, the conversation turned to the contrasting stability of the two clubs on the bench. 

While Xabi Alonso is fighting to cement his position in his first season at Real Madrid, Diego Simeone has been Atletico’s leader for 14 years. 

“We have him because he’s very good, because he does very well, he gives us titles, victories, and above all, we love him. 

“In football, whenever there’s a dismissal, it’s bad, but that’s life,” he noted.