Athletico Madrid : Chasing La Liga Dreams for How Long?

Every time we hear the word La Liga, only 2 teams come to our mind – Real Madrid, rich and powerful, studded with loads of expensive players. The other club is Barcelona – tactical, talented and influential in its own right. And it is not surprising. The last time a 3rd team won the La Liga was in 2003 – 04 season when Valencia won the La Liga convincingly. Since then, the mantle has passed between Real and Barcelona, making the La Liga a duopoly. No wonder Real and Barcelona are referred among the clubs as ‘Wealthy Two’.

Athletico Madrid, Spain’s capital’s second club this year has the distinction of shattering the duopoly. The last time they lifted the cup was in 1995 – 96 season when they narrowly clinched the 1st place. With 46 points, Athletico is second place, though points – basis, they continue to be joint – toppers. The only thing that differentiates the two is goal difference. Athletico is an energized side after Diego Simeone at the end of 2011 season, when Athletico finished 5th. From 5th to 3rd in the previous season to 1st, Athletico has come a long way winning King’s Cup last year. In a recent interview to Il Giornale, Simeone confessed that Athletico can lift the La Liga cup this year. Athletico are also riding high the success wave by going through the Top 8 in the Champions League.

With main striker Diego Costa in prime form, Athletico has been highly successful in utilizing their limited resources to defeat even Real 1 – 0 in their own territory at Bernabeu. Costa has scored 19 goals this season in 17 matches, more than Ronaldo or Messi. However, Athletico are yet to face Barcelona or any other competitive club beyond La Liga. Simeone has instilled values in Athletico that are driving them towards their destination – La Liga Cup, namely relentlessness, focus, perseverance and hardwork.

Athletico’s planning of their strategy has been flawless. They read their opponents before adopting a strategy. Athletico has a good midfield backed by a solid defense. David Villa provides the much – needed attack to complement Costa’s offense. Simeone believes in Athletico being tough, well – organized, clever and quick. The only club that seems to have the arsenal to counter Athletico’s every move is Bayern, who have a far more superior talent and resources to back them up.

In fact, many critics and newspapers in Spain are already considering Athletico as a serious contender to Champions League title, facing off against a weakened AC Milan on their path to victory. However, Simeone still contends that Athletico face threats from the two who have massive resources at their disposal and they believe in taking match – by – match. Till then, Athletico will continue to cruise towards their dream of La Liga title.