When Los Colchoneros shocked football by clinching the League title at Barcelona’s Camp Nou last season the question on everyone’s lips was could they repeat it again?
Fans within the Estadio Vicente Calderon felt confident after Coach Diego Simeone’s forays in the transfer market. Off went Diego Costa, Flipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois, who helped architect Atletico’s League triumph.
But those who came in – Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic, Alessio Cerci, Miguel Angel Moya, Guilherme Siqueira and Raul Jimenez – brought a sense of new impetus into the club.
However, at times during the opening months of the season, Atletico were lacklustre, which showed during their opening game, where they drew 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano. Their worst moment was during their 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo where boos could be heard inside the Calderon.
Yet in recent weeks their new signings have settled into the side and have rewarded Simeone’s faith in them. Five wins in six League games have propelled Atletico into third place, just two points behind second placed Barcelona and four points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Whereas last season Diego Costa led the club’s goal-scoring efforts, the burden has been shared this season. Though Mandzukic is Atletico’s top scorer with five he has been ably supported in midfield through Tiago Mendes and Griezmann, who have both scored three goals, and defender Miranda, who has scored three times also.
Of the new signings Simeone acquired this summer Mandzukic along with Griezmann have performed well in their debut campaign and will look to strive to new heights.
Despite losing some of last season’s key players in the transfer window, the ability to retain Koke during the summer is in itself an achievement. The 22-year-old is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo with the most assists this season so far with eight – which means Koke has assisted in nearly a third of his team’s goals this season. The midfielder is continuing his rapid rise and is cementing himself as a regular feature in Spain’s national squad.
As the winter break nears Simeone knows his players have to close out the year strongly. After facing Elche away this weekend their last two League fixtures before the break are tricky.
The game against Villarreal at home should be a good test for Simeone especially with the creative abilities of Denis Cheryshev, exciting young talent Luciano Vietto and attacking prowess of Giovani Dos Santos. Their last game, on December 21, away to Athletic Bilbao, will be difficult after Los Leones shook off their bad form earlier this season.
But as of now Atletico are within touch of Real Madrid and Barcelona and ahead of Valencia and Sevilla, which suits Simeone just fine.
