Europa League Special Part 8: Contenders for the trophy – Atletico Madrid
Club Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D.
History:
Atletico Madrid was formed as Athletic Club de Madrid in 1903 by three Basque students living in Madrid. The three friends formed the club as the youth team of their childhood club, Athletic Bilbao. The club struggled much during the initial years despite
making a Copa del Rey final appearance in 1921. After the Spanish civil war, the club merged with Aviación Nacional and the name changed to Athletic Aviación de Madrid. In 1947 however, the club decided to switch its name back to Club Atlético de Madrid which
still remains to date.
Despite being the poorer club from Madrid, Atletico won both the La Liga and Copa del Rey nine times. On the European front, the club was less successful as their only final appearance in the UEFA Champions League of 1973/74 resulted in a defeat to Bayern
Munich. However, the club did win a UEFA Cup winners’ Cup in 1962. Atletico Madrid are the reigning UEFA Europa League champions who have also managed to win the UEFA Super cup earlier this season following their defeat against reigning Champions League winners,
Internazionale.
Despite their imperious European form, the club failed to finish in the top four. As a result, Atletico Madrid will now look to defend their title in this year’s secondary European competition.
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Defence:
Atletico has a good defence, capable of holding up even the best of attacks. In David De Gea, Los Colchoneros have the best young goalkeeper in the world. At just 19 years of age, the young sensation is already earning comparisons with legendary goalie Iker
Casillas. Álvaro Domínguez and Diego Godin form a reliable centre back pairing. Filipe Luís Kasmirski on the left is one of the best left backs in the league while Tomas Ujfalusi on the right has years of experience on his hand.
Midfield:
Atletico midfield is arguably their weakest link. Tiago and Paulo Assuncao form a good midfield pairing albeit one that lacks any creativity. Simao Sabrosa and Jose Antonio Reyes line up on the flanks, the two can be world beaters on their days but inconsistency
gets the better of the duo at times. The midfield lacks a playmaker in the mould of Kaka or Mesut Ozil.
Attack:
Los Rojiblancos have one of the most lethal Striking duos in the world in Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero. Forlan won the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup while Aguero is one of the best young players in the world. Indeed
retaining their services for the season was a big achievement on the Club’s part. Diego Costa is a good back up player to have as the young Brazilian has shown a lot of promise in few appearances he has managed for the club.
The one key player:
Diego Forlan has been the talisman for the Madrid based club for the last couple of seasons. Sergio Aguero for all his hype is mostly out injured. The forward was in supreme form last season as he scored an impressive 7 goals in the Europa League. The forward
scored a brace in the final to win Atletico its first European trophy in 48 years.
Chances:
Atletico is not the richest of the clubs. The Forlan-Aguero pairing earns huge wages and the club was only able to retain Aguero in particular on the back of their Europa League triumph. A repeat of the success is highly unlikely due to cut throat competition
on the continental front. Atletico must earn a Champions League spot for monetary inflow that will surely be needed to retain top quality players. The club will look to defend its title but La Liga will be its primary objective. Moreover, an injury to star
man Forlan will slash the elimination odds for the club. Atletico to make the quarter finals but nothing further.
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