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- Koke Says History And Not Revenge Is Motivating Atletico Madrid In Champions League Final
Koke Says History And Not Revenge Is Motivating Atletico Madrid In Champions League Final
Avenging the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2014 will not be the main motivation for Atletico Madrid in Milan, says Koke.
Koke is focused on creating history by helping Atletico Madrid to their first Champions League triumph, not gaining revenge over Real Madrid.
Atletico were moments away from claiming the European trophy for the first time in 2014, but Sergio Ramos' 93rd-minute goal forced extra time, where Madrid went on to secure a 10th top continental crown by winning 4-1 in Lisbon.
The only previous appearance in the final for Atletico also ended in defeat to Bayern Munich in 1974, the Germans triumphing 4-0 in a replay.
Saturday's match against Madrid at San Siro is the only thing standing between the club and a maiden Champions League triumph, and Koke believes that will be their greatest motivation.
"It's a new, great, wonderful opportunity. Revenge isn't on our minds because no one can go back in time and give us back the Lisbon final," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We just want to create history by winning the first Champions League for the club.
"Statistics are there to be broken and to change. Our goal is to come back with the cup."