Winning at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is no easy task. In fact, last season, Real Madrid were the only team to do so, winning 2-3 in what was a very tight game. Sevilla won 13 out of 19 home games in La Liga last year, holding Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to draws. Any hopes that Unai Emery had, however, of maintaining his club’s superb home record this season were severely put to the test as Atletico strolled to a very impressive 0-3 win on Sunday.
It is these kinds of performances that are only adding to the widespread opinion that Atletico are ready to challenge for the League title they won back in 2014. After the departures of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, David Villa and Thibaut Courtois following that title-winning campaign, it was commonly perceived that Diego Simeone’s men would simply not have enough in their locker to attempt the retention of their championship. Fast forward 12 months and Simeone has assembled a squad of real depth and talent that is capable of pushing the giants of the game all the way in the title race.
Part of this transformation, naturally, is down to Cholo. He is a Coach who knows how to win football matches, in any given situation, and his sides grind out results week in, week out. The transitional game that Los Colchoneros play is exceptional – they seamlessly move from defence to attack via the precision of Koke or the pace of Antoine Griezmann, and these counter-attacks have become second nature to a team that works tirelessly on the training ground under the tutelage of Simeone and his assistant Mono Burgos.
Despite the aforementioned transfers after lifting the title in 2014, numerous key players remain from that side – Juanfran, Diego Godin, Tiago Mendes, the returning Filipe, captain Gabi Fernandez and of course, Koke, whose influence on games seems to be growing exponentially and is becoming increasingly paramount to any success that Atleti have.
They remain crucial to Cholo at the club, because the hunger and desire to win games for Los Rojiblancos that he has instilled in them has prevailed all the highs and lows of his tenure. He knows exactly how to get the best out of them and that they will fight for his cause, and therefore has complete trust in these players. After all, where else would you see an elite European club fielding a 32-year-old and 34-year-old in Gabi and Tiago respectively, as midfield lynchpins, in today’s modern game?
The metamorphosis of Griezmann from goal-scoring winger to striker has also developed the side. It is now evident that the vast majority of Atleti attacks go through the Frenchman, whether he is finishing them off or catalysing them. He has developed into one of the best players in La Liga – only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scored more goals than him in the last campaign, and he will be hoping to improve upon his tally of 22 in order to be mentioned in the same bracket as the world’s best.
The Atleti squad has been freshened up substantially too, namely with the arrival of Jackson Martinez, a player who has been brought, quite simply, to get this team goals. He opened up his account in Seville, and Simeone will hope that he joins the illustrious line of strikers to pull on the red and white shirt.
The cover of Marca on Monday read ‘Temibles’ regarding Atletico. This translates as ‘fearsome,’ which they certainly are, especially when you witness performances like the one against Sevilla. Even if Barcelona or Real Madrid win the League this season, expect a much better challenge from Atleti, who could be ready to break expectations once again.
