As Atlético de Madrid gears up for a monumental Liga F showdown against FC Barcelona, forward Marta Cardona shares her thoughts on rivalries, special goals, and her love for the game. The "Original Clásico" is set to light up Spanish women's football once again on Saturday, November 9. Cardona, an experienced player with plenty of memorable moments, sat down with DAZN to reflect on her journey and the unforgettable moments that make football so special.
Celebrating her most memorable goals
Reflecting on her career highlights, Cardona doesn’t hesitate when asked about her most celebrated goals. For Atlético, her two goals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano hold a special place in her heart.
“It was in front of our fans, in our stadium. We were losing against Betis, and in just five minutes, we made a comeback. Scoring those two goals felt like a dream ending for any player.”
For Spain, her defining moment came at the Euros 2022, with a last-minute goal against Denmark that secured their spot in the quarterfinals.
“It’s one of the goals that I remember the most,” she said, fondly recalling the significance of that victory for La Roja.
Top Stadiums: From home turf to the USA
Cardona’s favourite stadiums span continents. First and foremost is Atlético's own Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where she cherishes the electrifying energy from the Atlético fan base.
“The energy from the fans is something special, very few fan bases in the world can compare. Playing there feels spectacular,” she said.
Real Sociedad's stadium also makes her list, thanks to the special bond she shares with the club from her time there. In the other side of the world, stadiums in the United States left an impression on her, as she marvelled at the unique atmosphere and fan experience in American soccer venues.
“In every stadium we played in the U.S., the atmosphere was different, like a show. It’s not like that here in Spain, so it really left an impact,” she noted.
Team spirit: Training with Atlético’s finest
When asked about her favourite teammates to train with, Cardona couldn’t single out just one player, praising the collective strength and unity within Atlético's squad.
“Each one of us has a role, and we all know what we need to do. I like training with all of them,” she said, laughing as she avoided naming any one teammate as a favourite.
Beyond Football: Cardona’s love for Golf and Tennis
Outside of football, Cardona keeps her competitive spirit alive with other sports. Interestingly, golf is a family favourite, although she finds watching it a bit dull.
“I don’t watch golf because I get bored, but I’ve been playing it since I was young,” she shared. “It’s a sport that, if you don’t play, can be boring.”
Tennis, on the other hand, is a sport she admires as a fan, especially due to her appreciation for Spanish icon Rafa Nadal.
A controversial choice: Tortilla de Patatas with or without onion
When it comes to the iconic Spanish dish tortilla de patatas, Cardona prefers it with onion, despite the divisive nature of the topic.
“Well, the world’s best chef says without onion, but honestly, I like it with onion,” she laughed, adding a light-hearted moment to the interview.
Rivalries: Real Madrid matches hold a special significance
Although the upcoming clash with Barcelona is massive, Cardona admits that games against Real Madrid have a unique thrill, given her history with the club.
“Playing against Real Madrid is always special. And beating them? Even better,” she quipped.
Recalling a particularly intense Copa de la Reina final against Real Madrid, Cardona described the euphoria when former Atlético de Madrid teammate, Estefania Banini scored an equalizer in the last moments, setting the stage for Atlético's eventual victory.
“It was like a scene from a movie. The rain pouring down, our biggest rival leading 2-0, and then we came back with Banini’s last-second free-kick. At that moment, we knew the Copa was ours,” she reminisced.
Football icons: Ronaldinho’s magic and Diego Costa’s power
As a football fan, Cardona looks back on the icons who inspired her love for the game. Ronaldinho holds a special place in her heart, as she recalls how his style and magic on the field sparked her passion for football.
“Ronaldinho is my idol. Each goal of his was magic to me. I have memories of his incredible plays, like the goal against Villarreal,” she said, her admiration evident.
Closer to home, Cardona has a deep appreciation for Atlético legend Diego Costa, whom she calls “one of the best forwards.”
“Incredible. What a player,” she stated, emphasising her admiration for Costa’s strength and skill on the field.
With Atlético set to face Barcelona in a highly anticipated clash, Cardona’s words reflect the passion, pride, and dedication she brings to every game. Don’t miss Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona this Saturday, November 9, at 18:30 CET, live and free on DAZN.