The Perfect Blend of Old and New
Summer 2024 marked a watershed moment for Atletico, with a record €185 million investment bringing fresh talent while retaining crucial veterans. Antoine Griezmann exemplifies this balance – though his pure statistics (7 goals, 4 assists in La Liga) might seem modest compared to previous seasons, his influence extends far beyond numbers. The Frenchman’s creative genius manifests in moments of brilliance, from his backheel assist against Valladolid to his 94th-minute winner against Sevilla, cementing his status as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 193 goals.
Meanwhile, Jan Oblak continues to demonstrate why he’s considered among the world’s elite goalkeepers. His statistics tell a compelling story: 0.71 goals conceded per match (second-best in La Liga) and a 79.2% save percentage (also second-best), including a crucial six-save performance in the recent 2-1 victory over Barcelona. This defensive solidity provides the foundation for Atletico’s title challenge.
Tactical Evolution Under Simeone
The most striking aspect of Atletico’s current form is their tactical flexibility. While Simeone’s teams were historically known for defensive resilience, this season’s version maintains possession 52% of the time (up from 50.8% last season), marking a third consecutive year of evolution toward a more possession-based approach.
Their offensive efficiency is equally impressive, with 34 goals scored against 32.6 expected goals (xG), demonstrating clinical finishing in crucial moments. Perhaps most remarkably, they’ve scored 13 goals after the 89th minute in just 28 matches this season, highlighting both their physical conditioning and mental fortitude.
The depth of Simeone’s squad allows for effective rotation, with substitutes making the most significant impact in La Liga. Angel Correa epitomizes this super-sub role, consistently delivering crucial late contributions, including vital goals against Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and PSG. This strategic use of the bench has helped maintain freshness throughout the squad while allowing tactical flexibility during matches.
The Path to Glory
Historical comparison with Simeone’s previous title-winning seasons (2013/14 and 2020/21) reveals both similarities and differences. While those teams accumulated more points and showed better defensive records at this stage, they also faced stronger competition. The current Barcelona and Real Madrid teams have shown unprecedented vulnerability, with Real already dropping points six times in the first half of the season and Barcelona falling to third place after a strong start.
Atletico’s current 13-match winning streak in La Liga, unprecedented in club history, suggests they might be better positioned than ever to secure their ninth league title overall and Simeone’s third. Their defensive solidity (joint-fewest shots on target faced with 54, alongside Getafe) combined with their improved possession game creates a formidable challenge for their rivals.
David Villa, former Atletico striker, emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus: «You must always fear Real Madrid; they’re always there. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico are the country’s biggest clubs, and in recent years, they’ve shown considerable superiority over the rest. Looking at their transfers, I understood these teams would battle again, and truthfully, that’s pleasant to see.»
For Simeone, securing a third league title would equal the record set by legendary managers Helenio Herrera and Ricardo Zamora. More importantly, it would validate his tactical evolution and cement his legacy as Atletico’s greatest manager. With 21 matches remaining, the opportunity exists to write a new chapter in the club’s history, transforming from perennial challengers into genuine favorites for Spain’s most prestigious trophy.
