Why Atlético Madrid Could Finally Break the LaLiga Mold
Alright, I can’t believe I’m doing this. It’s two months before February 2, but here I am, diving headfirst into my own personal Groundhog Day. Once again, I’m making the case—against my better judgment—that Atlético Madrid have a golden opportunity to become LaLiga champions this May. Yes, I know, it feels like I’ve been here before, but hear me out.
For those unfamiliar, Groundhog Day is a quirky North American tradition where a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather. If he sees his shadow on February 2, winter drags on. If not, spring comes early. But thanks to the 1993 Bill Murray classic, the term “Groundhog Day” has also come to mean being stuck in a repetitive cycle. And that’s exactly how I feel about Atlético Madrid’s title chances under Diego “Cholo” Simeone.
Despite my skepticism about Simeone’s coaching methods, I can’t help but argue that this season might just be Atlético’s best shot at glory since their 2021 LaLiga triumph. Let’s break it down.
The Simeone Conundrum
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Diego Simeone. The man is a club legend, having just coached his 701st match for Atlético and won more trophies than anyone else in the club’s history. But I’ve been vocal about my criticisms of him. I believe he’s lost the fire that once made him a “take on the world” kind of coach. Since signing his last contract extension in November 2023, his standards seem to have slipped. He relies heavily on the revenue generated by consistently qualifying for the Champions League, which makes him virtually untouchable. But his players often look confused and uninspired, and his training sessions don’t seem to address ongoing issues.
Even Simeone himself has admitted to shortcomings. Last season, after a string of poor performances, he said, “It’s the coach’s fault, I’m going to have to work harder and better.” Yet, little changed. He also confessed that midway through the season, the team lacked identity, clarity, and commitment, calling it “the worst part of my 11 years in charge.”
Despite these flaws, Atlético managed to beat Real Madrid twice last season—in LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. Yet, they finished 19 points behind Carlo Ancelotti’s champions and won no silverware. That’s the very definition of underachievement.
Why This Season Feels Different
So why am I cautiously optimistic now? For starters, both of Atlético’s main rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are vulnerable this season. Barcelona are still a work in progress and seem overly reliant on Lamine Yamal. Plus, their captain and goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, is out for the season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are dealing with significant losses. Toni Kroos has retired, and Nacho and Joselu have left. Injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are long-term issues, and they’re still trying to figure out how to restore Kylian Mbappé to his best form.
Meanwhile, Atlético are clicking. They boast the best defensive record in LaLiga, even without the crucial Robin Le Normand. Striker Alexander Sørloth has been a revelation, with six goals and two assists—a goal contribution every 86 minutes. And then there’s Julián Álvarez, who has 10 goals and two assists and is playing with newfound confidence.
The X-Factor: Giuliano Simeone
One of the most exciting developments this season has been the emergence of Simeone’s youngest son, Giuliano. At just 22, he’s become a transformative player for Atlético, bringing energy, creativity, and a connection with the fans that’s electric. There’s no nepotism here—Giuliano has earned his spot and is helping to make Atlético a joy to watch again.
What’s Next?
As of now, Atlético are just two points off the top of the LaLiga table and one point away from the top eight in the Champions League. The team is fun to watch, and for the first time in a while, they feel like genuine title contenders. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, and Simeone’s history of erratic decisions looms large. But for now, there’s hope.
So, let’s mark our calendars for February 2. Will it be a sunny, early spring for Atlético Madrid? Or will it be another long, dark winter for their fans—and for this columnist? Only time will tell.
Originally Written by: Graham Hunter
