Heading into the break with a grin from ear to ear | OneFootball

An unprecedented international break is approached differently after winning a derby. Not so long ago, clashes with Real Madrid were a nightmare for Atlético. That story, which changed with Simeone’s arrival on the bench, is very different today. There is no longer any fear of the Whites—quite the opposite. They look them in the eye, go toe to toe with them, and beat them.

Yesterday was further proof of what Atlético are at the Metropolitano. A solid team, with options and a fortress that suits them perfectly. A winning formula that allows fans to dream, fans who give everything from start to finish. And they have seen a complicated start to the season produce, so far, good feelings and even better results.

Set aside are the draw against Villarreal, shaped by being a man down, the lapse at San Mamés, and the defeat at Anfield despite a good performance. The season has only just begun and with a team still under construction, as Simeone argues, Atlético are second in LaLiga with 16 points out of a possible 21. Above them there is only an FC Barcelona side that right now is untouchable and seems unreachable.

The signings are delivering

Beyond the purely statistical side, the signs this Atlético side is showing invite optimism. Because after a season in which Simeone’s men broke into Europe’s top four and came close to the Copa del Rey, the reinforcements brought in to build on that foundation are working.

“Cuti” Romero is the defensive leader Cholo had been craving. Kang-in Lee is a gifted player who has hit the ground running after the departure of a world-class star like Griezmann. Grimaldo is finding his place and showing his attacking ability. Hjulmand has managed to raise the level of competition in a midfield where a place in the starting XI is hard-earned. And Jonathan David seems to score in every game he plays.

In short, the new pieces added to the puzzle fit into a squad that is still not complete. Julián, who was met with both whistles and applause, has to get back to being his usual self; Barrios, the cornerstone who gives Atlético’s play its meaning, has to put his injury nightmare behind him; and Sorloth, another important attacking option, has to complete his recovery process and get back under Simeone’s orders. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to head into the break with a huge smile on your face.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.