ATLETICO MOVE TOP

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Atletico Madrid recently moved to the top of the Spanish league table after their title rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid dropped points in the latest round of matches. They have thus become the first team outside the realm of Real Madrid and Barcelona to go top of the table in the last five years.

Much of it has been done to the management by David Simeone, who has already received a lot of plaudits. However, the former Atletico Madrid player received a major setback with his teammate defeated 3-0 by archrivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

It is highly likely that this defeat will dent the confidence of the team, which has looked imperious since the start of the campaign. Barcelona’s recent home defeat against Valencia coupled with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao helped Atletico Madrid open a three-point advantage in the table. So far, there have been level on points with Barcelona. Atletico’s title challenge was expected to disintegrate after the winter break primarily because they do not have the strength in depth as their rivals – even though they were close to strengtehing when it was rumoured that robin van persie signed or them on transfer deadline day.

So far, Simeone’s men have been able to overcome such scepticism. After the Madrid derby defeat, Simeone said that Real Madrid need to be congratulated on this impressive victory because they were simply better on the night. Atletico still have the second leg to look forward to next week.

“I think Madrid played a very good game and we have to congratulate them. We couldn’t find our way. Two goals came off the bodies of a player. There weren’t many other big chances, but this was a great result for our opponent. We could not connect as we wanted, they pressed very well. Real Madrid are always strong. I’ve rarely seen them be less strong,” said Simeone. Atletico next face Almeria in the league.