What has suddenly happened to Atletico Madrid?

With two of the richest cubs in the world, La Liga has always been more about Barcelona and Real Madrid.  However, the recent resurgence by Atletico Madrid has stunned everyone. A club which finished 7th during 2010-11 season, has been exceptional in its transformation into one of the leading contenders for the championship. On February 2nd 2014, Atletico Madrid gained number one spot. This was the first time the club had led the table since 1996, when they won the La Liga championship.
The recent turnaround of the club has certainly astonished all the football analysts. Although world class players like Fernando Torres, Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, have been part of the club over the last decade,  there had not been any thumping impression that was made. Looking closely at the club’s working structure for the past couple of years, it is clear that the management decisions have struck the right chords. The recruitment of Diego Simeone has enabled a side which was short of confidence and hope, to become a side which could defeat any team, be it giant clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid. It was infact, Simeone’s vision that carried the club forward. 2011-12 season was Simeone’s first full season wherein Atletico finished third in La Liga. But more importantly it was the perfect balance between attack and defense that the team projected, which was clearly missing in the early days.
The departure of Falcao raised concerns, but Deigo Costa has filled the void with his skillful play and an effective partnersip with David Villa. The ball possession of the team has expanded. The team play with a high intensity, harrying and chasing in midfield to restrict space and suffocate their opponent’s attacking instincts. Also the 4-4-2 formation seems to be working well. Simeone has been able to demand commitment and aggression from the team, and the team has responded well to their manager. Atletico, with a dynamic counter attack has been exhibiting a steady progress under the cool head of Simeone.
The team looks solid with the full-backs, Felipe and Juanfran, bombed forward with aplomb, completely overloading Athletico’s back four on the flanks. In midfield, Koke, Adrian, Gabi and Tiago bring a dynamic, instinctive, and seemingly omnipresent style of play. Then there are the two key strikers, David Villa and Diego Costa. The team is looking far more dangerous day by day, and are living up to the expectations of their fans.
Effective has been the keyword for Atletico’s display under Simeone. They have played with plenty of resolve under his reign. This is evident in their transformation from a stagnating side to the stubborn contenders. Will the side rewrite history under an inspired manager? We will have to wait and see. But the traces of their supremacy over Spanish football, is evident.