Tiago Mendes, the esteemed LaLiga Ambassador and former midfielder for Atlético Madrid, visited the Philippines on Saturday to immerse himself in the excitement of one of LaLiga’s most historic rivalries, El Derbi de Madrid. This event, organized by LaLiga in collaboration with M88 Mansion, took place at the Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge in Makati, where Filipino football enthusiasts gathered to witness the thrilling matchup between the two illustrious clubs, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.
During his inaugural visit to the country, Tiago expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception he received from fans, stating, “Thank you for this moment, the real warm welcome that you gave me tonight. It is a pleasure to be here.”
Tiago Mendes made a significant impact on Atlético Madrid after joining the club in 2010. He played an integral role in one of the most successful eras for the team, contributing to their first derby victory in 14 years and the triumphant LaLiga Santander title in 2014, culminating his tenure with the club upon his retirement in 2017. Following his retirement, Tiago continued to serve as an assistant manager until 2018, further solidifying his legacy within the organization.
The Madrid Derby, a highly anticipated encounter in LaLiga history, showcases the fierce competition between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, two of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. On this occasion, fans in Manila had the unique opportunity to come together with LaLiga and Tiago Mendes for a celebratory watch party.
The event featured engaging trivia contests and a raffle, where attendees, including members of the official Real Madrid supporters club, representatives from the Spanish Embassy, and notable local sports figures such as James Younghusband and Stephan Schrock, received exclusive LaLiga memorabilia, including limited-edition balls and jerseys. Moreover, fortunate Atlético de Madrid fans were able to have their prizes personally signed by Tiago.
In addition to the festivities, attendees were fortunate to engage in conversation with Tiago Mendes, gaining insights into LaLiga, its clubs, and the storied rivalry it encompasses. Tiago shared his reflections on competing against Real Madrid, highlighting their remarkable team and depth of talent. He stated, “Real Madrid wins all the time and that is what makes them special. When you have great players, it is always challenging to compete against them. It is an honor to face them.”
The former midfielder also commended the passionate supporters of Atlético Madrid, recounting a poignant moment where despite a semifinal loss to Real Madrid, the fans continued to cheer and support the team until the final minutes of the match. “The best asset Atlético de Madrid possesses is its supporters. They are remarkable, and their unwavering loyalty is inspiring.”
The contentious rivalry between these two clubs deepened as they faced each other once more last Saturday, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Tiago Mendes expressed optimism for the future of football in the Philippines, advising young, aspiring athletes to persevere in their pursuit of excellence. “Follow your dreams and never give up. This journey will pave the way for your happiness,” he shared, encouraging the next generation of Filipino football players.
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