Atletico Madrid, if they hadn’t already, earned the respect of their rivals this past weekend. Game after game, Los Colchoneros are settling in at the top of the table, and they’re showing that they’re one of the best teams on the continent this season. There’s no doubt that Diego Simeone’s side have announced their candidacy to win LaLiga Santander this term. There’s a long way to go, of course, but Atletico look reliable.
Beyond just feelings, the fact that they’ve been so much better than Real Madrid and Barcelona so far is the result of all of their players playing to a higher level than before. There’s more competition within the squad now, and they’re reaping the rewards of that.
A privileged situation in the LaLiga Santander table
After Real Sociedad’s win against Cadiz, Atleti are three points off top spot, but with two fewer games played than La Real.
They’ve put themselves into a privileged position through hard work. They’re not looking at anyone else’s results or position, but comparing them with Real Madrid or Barcelona shows them favourably.
Los Blancos have three points less with one game more played, whereas the Catalans are already nine points behind them. La Real and Sevilla are still pushing Simeone’s side, but Atleti have already come through tough games against Barcelona, Villarreal and Granada. Continue reading