After Real Madrid’s spending spree in the summer and Barcelona’s dominance last campaign, Atletico Madrid have barely had a mention as potential title contenders this time around.
Having lost just once in the first 12 La Liga matches, Diego Simeone has once again built a side which are very hard to break down. However, his team are guilty of one too many draws which could end up costing them dearly, having drawn half of their league matches to date.
Atletico’s lack of goals is an area in which Simeone’s side is struggling this season, having only scored twelve in twelve games. With the likes of Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa and Joao Felix among their ranks, Atletico will need at least two of them to score 10+ goals if they are to knock Barcelona off their perch. Having said that, their defence has been superb, only conceding seven in the league. Jan Oblak is one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, and Atletico will always have a chance with him between the sticks.
Despite the three attackers named above, it is evident to see the loss of Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona in the summer was a huge loss, having contributed 15 league goals for Atletico last campaign. However, Griezmann hasn’t had quite the same impact at Camp Nou this season, with certain fans believing Lionel Messi is purposely avoiding passing to his new teammate.
La Liga betting shows Atletico Madrid are complete outsiders to win the title at 18/1, despite being on the heels of both Barcelona and arch-rivals Real. Barcelona remain heavy favourites at 1/2, while Zinedine Zidane’s side are 2/1 after a fairly promising start, especially after integrating plenty of new signings. Simeone’s side are also priced at 25/1 to win the Champions League, so it’s safe to say the bookmakers aren’t confident in Atletico winning a trophy in 2020.
It is worth noting, however, that Barcelona have lost three games already this season, having only lost the same amount in the entire of the previous season when they ran away with the title, nine points clear of Atletico. Barcelona were desperate to bring back Neymar this summer, but the deal never materialised and, at present, it is looking more and more likely this missed opportunity could cost them their title.
Despite the odds, Atletico hold every chance of challenging both Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, if they are unable to improve their finishing ability, it could prove costly. But with Morata and Diego Costa within their ranks, both are proven goalscorers around the world and if either can burst into life, there is every chance Atletico can continue to go about their business and continue to sneak under the radar.
