As the LaLiga season approaches its midway point, a familiar question is beginning to percolate in Spanish football circles: could this finally be the year that Atlético Madrid breaks the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly and captures their first league title since 2021? While it may seem like a case of premature prognostication, especially with the mercurial Diego Simeone at the helm, there are growing signs that Atlético might just have the squad, the form, and the circumstances to pull off a stunning championship coup.
A Squad Built for the Long Haul
The foundation of any title challenge is a deep, talented roster, and that’s precisely what Atlético have constructed. Shrewd dealings by sporting director Andrea Berta have equipped Simeone with perhaps the most complete squad in Europe, let alone Spain.
In defense, new signing Robin Le Normand looks every bit the heir apparent to the aging José Giménez, while the likes of Nahuel Molina and Reinildo Mandava provide steel and stability at fullback. The midfield is marshaled by the ever-reliable Koke and Thomas Lemar, with the emergence of youngsters like Pablo Barrios adding energy and unpredictability.
Álvarez, Sørloth Leading the Line
But it’s in attack where Atlético’s squad truly sets itself apart. Club-record signing Julián Álvarez, fresh off a World Cup triumph with Argentina, already has 10 goals and looks primed for a monster breakout campaign. He’s formed a lethal partnership with in-form target man Alexander Sørloth, who’s riding a sizzling streak with six goals and two assists so far.
Julián [Álvarez] is playing with a confidence and swagger we’ve never seen from him before. He and Sørloth have an almost telepathic understanding. They could be the deadliest strike duo in Spain this season.
An Atlético Madrid insider told ESPN
Simeone Steadying the Ship?
Of course, the elephant in the room is Simeone himself. The fiery Argentine’s tactical tinkering and penchant for caution have often held Atlético back, even as his teams consistently perform above expectations. But there are hopeful signs that Cholo may be steadying the ship this campaign.
- Simeone seems to be settling on a preferred XI and formation
- Fewer impulsive tactical changes and lineup shuffles of late
- Atlético playing with more verve and attacking intent
Perhaps the most intriguing wrinkle has been the emergence of Simeone’s son, 21-year-old Giuliano. The fleet-footed winger has become a fan favorite with his tenacious pressing and direct dribbling, adding a new dimension to Atléti’s attack. If Simeone can continue to harness Giuliano’s skillset, it could be a game-changer.
Rivals Showing Cracks
Meanwhile, Atlético’s chief title rivals are showing signs of vulnerability. Barcelona remain a work in progress under Xavi and will be without injured goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen for the rest of the campaign. Over at the Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to cope with a spate of key injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão among others.
None of this guarantees anything, of course. The margins at the top of LaLiga are razor-thin, and Atlético have flattered to deceive before. But if Simeone can keep this group focused and firing, and if the injury bug bites their rivals, Atlético might just have the ingredients for a memorable season.
As they say, the table doesn’t lie. And right now, that table shows Atlético Madrid firmly in the thick of the title race. Write them off at your peril.
