7 reasons why Atletico should break La Liga’s duopoly this season

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On the back of their impressive European Super Cup victory over rivals Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid are being tipped as genuine contenders for the 2018/19 La Liga title.

Diego Simeone’s side shocked the world of football by beating Real Madrid and Barcelona to the 2013/14 crown, blowing opponents away with their powerful approach and making stars of previously little-known players.

Their title win, the tenth in the club’s history, was so unlikely due to the 21st century dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Between 2005 and 2018, Atletico are the only club to have broken the La Liga duopoly by winning the Spanish top-flight.

The era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has made their clubs title magnets in recent years, but Atletico have spoiled the well-worn party before – and they can do it again.

Here are seven reasons why Simeone’s men can win La Liga this season.

1. Diego Costa back to his best

After impressing at the World Cup in a below-par Spain side, Diego Costa picked up where off in the Super Cup final, scoring a stunning goal within 49 seconds to give Atletico a surprise early lead.

This was Costa at his contentious but brilliant best, bulldozing opposition defenders, appealing against every referee decision and, most importantly, scoring important goals.

The 29-year-old gradually felt his way back into his role at Atletico upon rejoining the club in January, finding the net nine times in 24 appearances during the second half of last season.

He now looks ready to regularly lead the line again, forming what could be a lethal partnership with Antoine Griezmann and potentially firing Atletico to La Liga glory.

Had Costa not left the field with an injury in the first half of the 2013/14 Champions League final against Real Madrid, Atletico may have secured an historic double that year.

With his confidence and ability having now fully returned following a difficult end to his Chelsea career, Costa will be dreaming of making history this term.

2. Griezmann buzzing after World Cup glory

There’s no denying Antoine Griezmann was already among the best footballers in the world prior to this summer, but his World Cup win with France – and his goal in the final – has arguably seen him leapfrog a couple of his contemporaries.

Griezmann has been Atletico’s talisman since Costa left for Chelsea in 2014, scoring 112 goals in 209 appearances including twice in last season’s Europa League final victory over Marseille.

His decision to stay with Atletico, ignoring interest from Barcelona over the summer, has seen his bond with the club and its fans grow even stronger.

And his World Cup medal will do anything but weigh him down. Instead, it could provide Griezmann with even more freedom and confidence, aiding Atletico’s quest for La Liga success to no end.

As mentioned above, an electrifying partnership with Costa is on the cards this season. If both players can stay fit, Atletico’s potential has no limits.

3. Ronaldo a fiend of the past

It is difficult to image Real Madrid would have lost the Super Cup final to Atletico by two clear goals had Cristiano Ronaldo been on the pitch.

Indeed, the amount of times Ronaldo has decided a tight contest with a flick of his head, a blast with his right foot, is difficult to keep up with.

What we can keep track of is Ronaldo’s record against Atletico. During his time in the Spanish capital, the Portugal captain scored 22 goals in 31 Madrid derbies, including 12 strikes in 16 La Liga encounters.

Atletico will be thankful they no longer have to face the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, at least domestically – he could still haunt them in the Champions League.

Of course, there is still time for Real Madrid to sign a superstar replacement. Alternatively, Gareth Bale could prosper from Ronaldo’s absence, although he’s understandably unlikely to score quite as many.

Atletico finished above Real Madrid in La Liga last season despite Ronaldo’s 26 La Liga goals. If Julen Lopetegui can’t find goals from elsewhere, Atletico are likely to better their neighbours once again.

4. Barcelona’s new-look attack yet to settle

Barcelona’s three-pronged attack of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi was one of the most fearsome tridents in European football for a short time.

That was until Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain. Since then, Barcelona have tried various approaches in an attempt to replicate the breadth of attributes offered by their front three of old.

And although Barcelona managed to win La Liga last season, Ernesto Valverde never really settled on a consistent attack. Ousmane Dembele suffered from injuries and dips in form, meaning Philippe Coutinho was sometimes pushed into the final third or a different formation was used.

The champions have brought in Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux, giving them yet another option. But finding the right balance could take time, and Atletico may be able to take advantage of that.

What’s more, Barcelona’s old guard lost another stalwart over the summer in Andres Iniesta. It remains to be seen how much of an impact his exit will have on the team’s mentality.

5. Logical new signings

Thomas Lemar is the undoubted highlight of Atletico’s summer transfer window. Arriving from Monaco, the Frenchman adds another string to Simeone’s bow, bringing pace and flair to the line-up.

But Atletico have also made a number of quieter, logical additions to the squad. They have improved their depth at full-back with Jonny Castro strengthening their left side and Santiago Arias reinforcing the right.

Rodri has joined from Villarreall and will be aiming to plug the gap left by long-serving captain Gabi, who has departed for Qatar.

Nikola Kalinic will provide cover for Costa, and Gelson Martins could fight for a place on either wing.

Simeone has more depth than he’s ever had at Atletico. And there is still time to add.

6. A strong squad regardless of additions

While Atletico have done brilliantly to bring in a number of squad-strengthening signings, the group Simeone already had at his disposal has reason to be feared.

Diego Godin, the linchpin on Atletico’s defence, looks as if he will be sticking around despite being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United just before the Premier League transfer deadline.

Meanwhile, the likes of Saul Niguez – excellent in the Super Cup final – Jan Oblak and Koke could be set for their best individual seasons at the club as a result of the experience they have garnered over recent years.

Despite the abundance of quality players they possess, Atletico have managed to keep hold of all of their stars this summer. In fact, their squad now has a higher market value than Real Madrid’s for the first time ever, according to Marca.

Such valuable consistency could go a long way in bringing them success this term.

7. A generous run-in

A final day away trip to Barcelona in 2013/14 didn’t stop Atletico securing the title with a draw at Camp Nou. But no doubt they would have preferred an easier final game.

This season, their trip to Barcelona falls on April 7th and is their final meeting with either of their title rivals.

After that, they will have seven matches remaining, the hardest of which being home games against Valencia and Sevilla. Atletico won’t take those sides for granted, but they are certainly beatable.

If they can ensure they are above both Barcelona and Real Madrid before that run-in, Atletico will surely be confident of winning their 11th La Liga title.

The post 7 reasons why Atletico should break La Liga’s duopoly this season appeared first on Squawka News.



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