Partido a Partido (feat. Joaquín Sabina)

Leiva's song 'Partido a Partido,' featuring Joaquín Sabina, is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and determination of Atlético de Madrid, a football club known for its fighting spirit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of struggle and perseverance, using rich metaphors and imagery to convey the emotional journey of the team and its supporters. The phrase 'partido a partido' (game by game) encapsulates the philosophy of taking challenges one step at a time, focusing on the present moment rather than being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

The song opens with a sense of desolation, describing a 'socavón junto al manzanares' (a crater by the Manzanares River) and 'atascos en los bulevares de mi corazón' (traffic jams in the boulevards of my heart). These lines evoke a feeling of emptiness and struggle, setting the stage for the theme of survival. The 'profetas de anteayer' (prophets of the day before yesterday) are likened to 'gaviotas de alas rotas' (seagulls with broken wings), symbolizing lost hope and dreams. Yet, amidst this bleakness, there is a call to keep dreaming and fighting, as seen in the line 'en el trono de neptuno donde no cabe ninguno que no sepa soñar partido a partido' (on Neptune's throne where no one fits who doesn't know how to dream game by game).

The chorus reinforces the message of resilience, with the repeated lines 'no me habléis de resistir, es mi atleti de Madrid' (don't talk to me about resisting, it's my Atlético de Madrid) and 'hablo de sobrevivir' (I speak of surviving). This is not just about enduring hardships but about overcoming them, 'coronando montañas' (crowning mountains) and 'conquistando escaleras' (conquering stairs). The imagery of 'regateando al porvenir' (dribbling the future) in 'el tiempo de descuento' (injury time) highlights the relentless pursuit of victory, no matter how challenging the circumstances. The mantra 'y ganar y ganar y ganar, y ganar y volver a ganar' (and win and win and win, and win and win again) encapsulates the indomitable spirit of the team and its fans, emphasizing the importance of persistence and determination in the face of adversity.

Leiva and Joaquín Sabina's collaboration in 'Partido a Partido' is a powerful ode to the enduring spirit of Atlético de Madrid. The song's rich metaphors and evocative imagery capture the essence of the club's philosophy, inspiring listeners to embrace resilience and perseverance in their own lives. It is a celebration of survival, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, one game at a time.