Diego Aguirre's team has its first 2016 season test against an old acquaintance from the Galo's historical 'Ice Champion' tour in Europe

Diego Aguirre's team has its first 2016 season test against an old acquaintance from the Galo's historical 'Ice Champion' tour in Europe

November 12th, 1950. Atletico's delegation faces Gelsenkirchen's harsh cold, across ruins and razed buildings. World War II left Germany with deep scars, but a big football party was being prepared at Gluckauf-Kampfbahn Stadium all the same. About 45,000 fans filled the terraces for a very special reason.

Two of the hosts' legends, Fritz Zpean and Ernst Kuzorra, were celebrating their Schalke 04 farewell match - from a team that won three consecutive West Germany league titles and held five players in the national team - with a duel against the 'Alvinegro'. Certainly, they weren't counting with the strength of their opponents, led by Argentinian coach Ricardo Diez.

Atletico's captain Zé do Monte chats with Schalke's skipper during the 1950 match (Credit: C.Atleticano de Memória)

The 1950 team poses for the picture before the 3-1 win over their German hosts (Credit: C.Atleticano de Memória)

Not even the fatigue from the intense European tour or the low temperatures have prevented Galo from giving its best against the Royal Blues. As soon as Ze do Monte swapped banners with the opposition's captain, the Brazilians got the show started, 'pouring water' in Schalke's beer jug. Mallinowski scored the sole goal for the hosts while Lucas Miranda and Vaguinho, twice, settled the 3-1 in for Galo.

Atletico's lineup on the 1950 win. Lucas Miranda and Vaguinho, twice, scored in that 3-1

"Atletico received an ovation from the German people, demonstrating all its power in a fine display", the German journalists wrote after the match. "Practical and watchable football, Brazilian football by default, top quality stuff!"

Idols Zé do Monte and Ernst Kuzorra duel for the ball (Credit: C.Atleticano de Memória)

Rendezvous and revenge

Over six decades after the episode, Atletico and Schalke will be face to face once more, this time in Fort Lauderdale for the 2016 Florida Cup. With Atletico's Massa coming in big numbers to the U.S., the Germans will go for their revenge for that classic 1950 duel this Wednesday, 13th, at 6:30 PM (EST).

"Schalke are a very traditional team in Germany, eight-time Bundesliga champion with over 140,000 associates nowadays", Goal Germany's Chief Editor Christian Nier stated. "Today, the team has, aside from stars like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, young prospects as the likes of Max Meyer, Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sane, the latest already a target for Barcelona and Manchester City."

ATLETICO V SCHALKE 04

Ground: Ft. Lauderdale Strikers' Lockhart StadiumDate: 13/1/2016Time: 6:30 PM (EST)Referee: Ted Unkel (USA)Assistants: Mark Cahen and Brian Poeschel (USA)

Atlético: Victor; Marcos Rocha, Jemerson, Leonardo Silva, Douglas Santos; Rafael Carioca, Leandro Donizete, Luan, Giovanni Augusto; Thiago Ribeiro, Lucas Pratto.

Coach: Diego Aguirre.

Schalke 04: Giefer; Riether, Kehrer, Neustädter , Kolasinac; Geis, Goretzka, Sane, Meyer, Choupo-Moting; Di Santo.

Coach: Andre Breitenreiter.

Source: Diego Aguirre's team has its first 2016 season test against an old acquaintance from the Galo's historical 'Ice Champion' tour in Europe