Atlético: 2-1 derby win a birthday gift for Grimaldo, Cardoso and Gárate

A derby as a gift for a triple birthday celebration at Atlético. On 20 September, in LaLiga's first major fixture, Atlético de Madrid hosted Real Madrid at the Metropolitano and won 2-1. The victory served as a birthday present for Alejandro Grimaldo and Johnny Cardoso, two players in Simeone's squad, as well as Jose Eulogio Gárate, one of the club's great legends.

There was also an important sporting stake, as the Colchoneros could move above Real in the standings. But the date carried an added dimension for the three men, who were celebrating their birthdays on the Sunday of the derby. Grimaldo and Cardoso started the game, making Real Madrid the guest at a celebration held at the Metropolitano.

Grimaldo was one of the evening's leading figures. After an excellent performance, he opened the scoring by converting the penalty won by Giuliano Simeone. After the match, he told the club website that he had experienced “a dream day, a special day”, explaining that he had told the team at lunch there could be no better gift than a win, “and with a goal, even better”.

Cardoso was also among the standout players. His integration into the team in San Sebastián has brought it a balance it did not previously have, helping him become important again against Real Madrid. Following a first season affected by injuries, he appears to be starting this season by meeting the expectations placed on him when he signed. On his birthday, he said it “could not have been better: a great team victory”, after “a great challenge on the pitch” that the group overcame.

Grimaldo turned 31, Cardoso 25 and Gárate 81. Less visible on the pitch than the two players, Gárate did not need that role to underline his standing in Atlético's history. He played 327 matches for the club, scored 136 goals and provided 36 assists, winning three LaLigas, two Copa del Generalísimo titles and one Intercontinental Cup. Individually, he remains the only Colchonero player to have won the Pichichi three times.

For Atlético, it was therefore a day made for dreaming.