By clinching draw against mighty Barcelona, Atletico Madrid lifted first La Liga title in 18 years. Valencia was the last team outside the two biggies of Spain to win La Liga in 2004-05 season. In last 3 decades, only 5 clubs have emerged to crack the duopoly of Real and Barca. In such circumstances, trophy to Athletico Madrid carries extra weight.
Brazilian born stricker Diego Simeone is kingpin for Argentine Coach Diego Simeone. He has netted 36 goals and made 7 assists for the side this season in all competitions. But team has learnt to register wins without him. In 1st leg of Ch League QF against Barca, he limped off the ground. In 2nd leg against the Catalan giants, he was not available due to injury. Again against the same opposition in last league game of the season, he was substituted in first half. Full marks to substitutes who played with larger hearts at most important time of the season.
Strategy of the side is remarkable. In last 3 matches against Barcelona, Athletico retained possession for roughly 40% of time, yet final outcome fell in their favour. Their defense is rock solid and they have conceded least no. of goals in European and domestic competitions.
Earning from TV revenues has revealed contrasting figures. Both Real and Barca have earned $150 million from TV revenues in each season. On the other hand, Atletico got 1/3rd share of the cake. Nowhere in Europe is the gap so wide. In such odd circumstances, rise of another capital club deserves kudos.
Biggest challenge for Atletico is to retain the momentum. The club has a rich history of producing outstanding strickers in the past. Forlan, Aguero, Falcao, Torres and Vieri are few names in the long list. The sad part of the story is that all the diamonds were sold after cutting and polishing. Such deals make the club richer, but loosing talent generally backfires.
Previous year, Tottenham sold Bale in World record sum. When asked then the management replied that we have sold Elvis and bought Beatles. Performance of Tottenham this season is in front of us to judge the decision. Deportivo La Corunia and Valencia have emerged as real threat in past 15 years in Spanish soccer. Sadly, both are in deep financial doldrum and big two are again enjoying the monopoly. Athletico Madrid has come out of long shadows and must do everything to retain the earned respect.
Athletico has another big trophy to lift. The task is again tough. Services of Diego Costa will not be available for the club in the final due to injury. They are inexperienced to handle such a pressure. But Athletico can bounce back. They were not favourites in either of the previous tough matches but boys have shown their maturity. Barelona knows it, Chelsea knows it. It might be Real’s turn now.