Atletico's eternal inferiority complex against Real Madrid

Despite the fanfare which accompanied a game between two titans, there was no first leg and there's not really any need for a second leg. 

Atletico did not even turn up at the Bernabeu. It's not just that they were inferior -- it's that, above all, they felt inferior. Diego Simeone's side surrendered and were taken a part by a great Cristiano Ronaldo performance, the Portuguese forward turning it into a shipwreck unfit for the semifinals of the Champions League. 

Previous literature had told us that Atletico's time had come and that it would be a case of third time lucky. But football is not wilfull and nor does it adhere to cliches. Instead, in Madrid on Tuesday we saw a movie which we've seen many times, an old ritual, nothing more than the eternal inferiority complex which Atletico have always had against Real Madrid. 

There were many narratives, from the Madrid substitutes once again adding a spark to Cristiano's starring role. But the real story of the game had more to do with psychoanalysis than anything on a football level. In the Champions League, Atletico remain incapable of beating Madrid and now they have another failure to add to their list. 

Simeone has managed to improve the Rojiblanco and has converted them into one of Europe's best teams, despite the fact their budget is lower than the continent's biggest sides. But they have one task outstanding, which is to strip away the inferiority complex they have with respect to their city neighbour. 

The worst news for Atletico -- and also for Barça -- is that Madrid did not even have to get out of second gear as they moved towards a Cardiff final.