Just a few weeks ago, it was a fairly gloomy climate that reigned above the Metropolitano… The Colchoneros had notably suffered two bitter failures in the Champions League, against Benfica and Lille, and were slipping a little in La Liga as well. For some, the Colchoneros had, at the beginning of October, already given up on any chance of winning a title this season, and the criticism fell on Diego Simeone. Some even mentioned a departure at the end of the season, while the XXL transfer window of the Madrilenians had already been labeled as disappointing.
A few weeks later, everything changed for the better. Since this defeat against Lille (3-1) on October 23, followed by another defeat against Betis in La Liga on the 27th (1-0), Atlético has simply won the six matches played. A perfect November, with a victory on the PSG pitch (2-1) which caused a stir in Spain. The Colchoneros have, little by little, regained sensations, as the individuals take their cruising speed. Obviously, all eyes are on Julian Alvarez, the galactic colchonero, author of a double against Sparta Prague on Tuesday. The Argentinian has already established himself as the team’s offensive reference – which is quite unprecedented at Atlético where offensive players always need time to adapt – and shares the spotlight wonderfully with Antoine Griezmann still performing as well.
Optimism is in order
Alexander Sorloth is also gradually finding his place, and in the middle, Pablo Barrios confirms all the good things that were said about him and his status as a future great midfielder. In the cages, Jan Oblak finds his level again, to the delight of the Colchoneros. Giuliano Simeone turns out to be the good surprise of the season, being a very useful Swiss army knife for his father, and his duo with Julian Alvarez perfectly symbolizes this breath of fresh air that has been blowing over Atlético de Madrid in recent weeks. A less predictable team, with more bite up front and still solid at the back.
Well placed in the Champions League and just 5 points behind Barça in La Liga, Atlético can see the big picture. Especially since the Colchoneros, unlike their Merengue neighbors or the Barcelonans, have a very well-stocked squad of quality and plenty of alternatives on the sidelines. The various injuries or absences of players like Robin Le Normand do not destabilize a solid and increasingly well-established collective which may have a hand to play this season…
