Tactically first, El Cholo decided to drop (most of the time) its three-way defense to adopt a more classic pattern (4-4-2). This is also what cost Axel Witsel (who replaced the injured Gimenez on Saturday evening) his place in the starting lineup, but it is also what allowed the defense to regain its legendary solidity ( best defense in La Liga with 12 goals conceded). This new animation also allows Barrios and De Paul to reign in the midfield, while the Griezmann – Alvarez duo works wonders up front.
Belgians abroad – Atlético Madrid submits Barça to the wire and takes sole control of La Liga
Like Leverkusen
But beyond the tactical adaptations which allowed several players to flourish more, the Colchoneros inherited a little something extra. This same sometimes inexplicable thing that allowed Bayer Leverkusen to win the Bundesliga last season: the insolent success at the end of the match. Able to withstand blows for long minutes without falling, this Atleti can knock out an opponent by only scoring once as the final whistle approaches. Barça paid the price on Saturday evening. Like many others: 42% of goals in La Liga (14/33) were scored after the 75th minute.
PSG and Leipzig also paid the price in the Champions League. However, this is no coincidence. The contribution of substitutes has become Simeone's trademark. A third of the league goals were scored by players coming off the bench, with Alexander Sorloth (5) as a luxury joker. Here too, Barça paid the price. In reality, few of the substitutions made by Simeone add anything. And this is what keeps all the players in the group involved.
“The strongest thing we have is the group. Our way to compete with two monsters like Madrid and Barça is to have the whole team in good shape”insists the Argentine coach who, it is true, also took advantage of the collapse of his two competitors to take the lead in La Liga as a Christmas present. Before a title in 2025?
