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In the last 14 years only once has a team other than Real Madrid or Barcelona won the La Liga and that team was Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. They managed the feat four years ago and could achieve it yet again this season.
Los Colchoneros have proved to be a tough team to beat in recent years and have the trophies and results to show for it.
The 2018/19 La Liga season could be another chance for Diego Simeone and his men to get their hands on the La Liga trophy after claiming the Europa League last season. On that note, here are four key reasons why the La Liga is Atletico Madrid’s for the taking.
#4. Retained all their key players
For many years what has stopped Atletico Madrid from becoming a team truly capable of toppling the giants is the difficulty they faced in keeping their best players.
Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao and David De Gea are some of the most notable names who left the club to sign for one of Europe’s giants. However, Atletico Madrid may have finally established that they are not a selling club.
One of the major discussions at the start of the summer was the future of Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman was touted heavily by Barcelona and there were rumours that Barcelona were willing to pay his €100m release clause. However, Griezmann announced in a flamboyant manner that he is staying at Atletico Madrid.
In addition to Griezmann, the club also offered new contracts to Jose Maria Gimenez and Lucas Hernandez in the summer.
Keeping hold of crucial first-team players is a fantastic way to show ambition and Atletico Madrid have done that this summer and made a huge statement.
#3. Brilliant transfer business
Last season, Atletico were left with a paper light squad after the likes of Yannick Carrasco, Nicolás Gaitán, Augusto Fernández, Miguel Ángel Moyà and several others were sold over the course of the season.
This summer they’ve addressed that issue by adding quality players to the squad in addition to retaining their best players.
Rodri joined from Villarreal as a long-term replacement for the outgoing captain Gabi. They also signed two highly promising young wingers Thomas Lemar and Gelson Martins amidst interest from several other clubs in both players.
Santiago Arias joined as a replacement for the outgoing Šime Vrsaljko and Nikola Kalinić as a replacement for Kevin Gameiro. Former Real Madrid player, Antonio Adán, was signed as the backup goalkeeper.
To sum it up, Atletico have retained their best players, signed replacements for their outgoing players and added depth with quality.
#2. Rebuilding phase at Real Madrid and Barcelona
In order to win the league title, Atletico also need their two closest rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona to drop some unexpected points more often than not during the course of the season.
Barcelona have lost Andres Iniesta this summer and that could be a huge blow for them. They stuttered when they lost Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez in recent years and the same situation could repeat this summer.
As for Real Madrid, the situation is much worse. They have lost their four-time Champions League winning manager Zinedine Zidane and on top of that, their issues have been compounded by the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Real Madrid and Barcelona are coping with their respective losses, Atletico Madrid have retained their core and will be heading into the new season under a manager who has drilled his ideology into the side.
#1. Eight straight seasons under Diego Simeone
Real Madrid will be starting their first season under Julen Lopetegui and Barcelona their second under Ernesto Valverde. However, this will be Atletico Madrid’s eight straight seasons under their charismatic manager Diego Simeone.
Simeone’s philosophy is well-drilled into the head of his side and the fact that they have retained their crucial players gives his new signings enough time to get adjusted to their style of play.
Under Simeone, they have shown how capable they are of beating the top sides. In fact, Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 4-2 in this season's UEFA Super Cup already.
Atletico Madrid have already won the La Liga and several other trophies with Simeone at the helm.
They have a manager with a winning mentality and a side he has instilled that belief in. Considering all the circumstances, betting on them winning the La Liga could be worth the risk.
