Atletico Madrid, on paper, might be the strongest Spanish giant after the other two – Barcelona and Real Madrid – had a disappointing summer. While the Catalans had to part ways with their talisman Lionel Messi, who will now play for PSG, Real Madrid lost Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane and manager Zinedine Zidane. This puts Atletico, the defending La Liga Champions, in a strong position to pull off two titles in a row. 

Interestingly, no current Atletico Madrid player was born the last time a team, except for Barcelona or Real Madrid, won La Liga in consecutive seasons. Athletic Club achieved the feat in 1983 and 1984. The Wanda Metropolitano-based outfit has not repeated the titles since 1951. Hence, the task is difficult. 

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Atletico Madrid won last season with the goals of Luis Suárez and the tireless preparation of coach Diego Simeone. It has kept all its talent and added Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. Simeone, who signed a contract extension in July through 2024, will have Suarez back to lead his attack. The Uruguay striker was crucial to Atletico’s title march, leading the team with 21 league goals. Can he, though, at the age of 34, maintain the same production? Expectations are big for Joao Felix to become a leader with his playmaking in an otherwise workmanlike squad. But Simeone has shown that with a strong defense anchored by goalkeeper Jan Oblak his side can grind out wins without many frills.

When asked about how he views the coming campaign, Simeone told La Liga World, “With a lot of excitement. After repeating (what we did) seven years before, with only one football that did it in 2014, that’s Koke, to have won the title, it gives us strength to continue growing as a club and a team.”

“We have to search for alternatives and creativity to start the competition the best way with those who were here and those who arrived to strengthen us and give us stability.”

“It cost us after the 2014 title because many left, now after winning it, the majority stayed. That gives us excitement for the first game against Celta and to always continue along this line,” he added.

“Atletico Madrid is my home. I arrived as a footballer. The people gave me more than I could give. I hope that over these years, I have repaid what the people gave me with effort, dreams and that I deliver in body and spirit to the club I love,” he said about extending his contract. 

Atletico start their season on Sunday when they face Celta Vigo at Abanca-Balaidos.