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Atletico Madrid won the Europa League last year, after getting knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League. Though they had the toughest group with the likes of Roma and Chelsea, they were not expected to be knocked out. However, Roma came out strong, and Chelsea did enough to secure second place.
On the sunny side, they did perform well last season in league games, and finished La Liga in second place. They won 23 games, with 5 losses and 10 draws. This season so far they have played 3, lost 1, won 1, and drawn the other.
Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid has the capability of playing brilliant football. Though theirs is mostly a defensive game, their counter-attacks are troublesome for the opposition. The front two of Diego Costa and Griezmann are probably the fiercest in all of Spain, aside the duo of Messi and Suarez.
This season they have a huge chance of winning the UCL as Diego Simeone and his squad look robust. Although they have already lost a game to Celta Vigo, their strategies might differ for knockout games.
They have had a great transfer window, and the Atletico board has managed to hold on to their star players (Griezmann and Oblak), despite huge interests from top clubs.
#3 Reliable defence ft. Jan Oblak
Unsurprisingly, Atletico's defence was the best across Spain last season. They conceded 22 goals in a total of 38 league games, almost half of what Real Madrid conceded (44).
Diego Simeone's tactical intelligence is superlative, and he has made Atletico's defence unbreakable. Their main man, Diego Godin, is a pillar of immense experience and dedication. Godin, along with Savic and Oblak are the reason why Atletico have won most of their league games with a scoreline of 1-0.
Godin's experience has tremendously helped Los Rojiblancos maintain their defensive form. Atleti plays a defensive format in almost every game, as that is Diego's primary tactic.
Oblak has probably been the most consistent player for ATM for the past two seasons, and therefore the Atletico Madrid board has refused to sell him. Some English clubs, specifically Liverpool and Arsenal were linked to Oblak, according to talkSPORT.
However, Jan still has not signed a new contract with the Madrid based club yet, with his release clause of just €100 million probably not the prohibitive figure it once was. But looking at Oblak's performances, it is quite unlikely Atletico Madrid will let him leave.
The Madrid club also convinced Griezmann to not join Barca, where he could have won a lot more trophies. This clearly means that Atletico Madrid means business this season. A UCL title for Los Rojiblancos will be a dream start to their new era.
However, his style is pretty different from that of Mourinho's bus parking system. ATM attack more often, and are faster at counter-attacks, but the whole team comes back to their own half while defending. They also press high up the field, and this strategy has paid off severally.
#2 Finest strikers across Spain
Diego Costa is a beast. His strength is second to none, and he positions himself pretty well during set-pieces and corners. He is always a threat in the air, and he probably is the only striker defenders are scared to face.
Diego to Atletico Madrid was a blessing in disguise for the Atletico fans and their squad. The Brazilian left Chelsea after reportedly having issues with former Chelsea manager Conte, who was also sacked at the end of the season.
However, Diego Costa performed at his best level for The Blues, scoring 58 goals, and assisting 24 times in 120 games across all competitions.
On the other hand, there is the sensational Antoine Griezmann. The World Cup winner is arguably the best striker in Spain, and he looks completely determined to win silverware with Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann is a striker with immense quality, and he really doesn't have a weak foot. He has scored some beautiful goals with his right foot, and is improving in every aspect under Diego Simeone.
All stats via transfermarkt
#1 Impressive attacking depth
Atletico Madrid has got some quality players on the bench this year, and their attacking depth looks as good as Barcelona's.
It's clear that Diego Simeone will stick to his 4-4-2 defensive system, as it has shown results. Griezmann and Costa are the two strikers up front, with the likes of Kalinic, Lemar and Correa providing them with intense competition.
Atletico Madrid is looking to win all trophies available to them this year, with the UEFA Super Cup already in their pocket. Looking at Atletico's bench, it's clear they will at least make their way to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, if not win it.
