Atlético has a number of South Americans currently in Argentina, participating in the Copa América that kicked off last week. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) tournament takes place every four years and includes 10 nations from the continent, along with two special invitees from other FIFA confederations. After the first round of action, Atleti
Spain U19 have qualified for the Under-19 European Championship to be played in Romania next month. In the final qualifying round they topped a group with Switzerland, Montenegro and England. Also keep track of our South American stars who take part in the Copa America!
Sergio Agüero, Diego Forlán and Tomas Ujfalusi all set up accounts prior to the start of the season, mostly to communicate with their fans and post pictures as they’re en route to away games. But since Juanfran’s arrival, Twitter has become the perfect place for supporters to listen in to conversations between Atlético players.
Atlético did their European hopes a world of good on Sunday evening, beating an in-form Levante side by four goals to one in an entertaining encounter at the Vicente Calderon. Like last week, Atlético again started off the match strongly, but failed to hold on to their lead. But a superb second half performance saw off Levante, who now have to give up their challenge for the European spots.
Pamplona’s world-famous ‘Running of the Bulls’ event got off to an early start this year when Atlético striker Diego Costa was unleashed from his corral on Sunday evening. A surreal performance by the much-maligned Brazilian forward drove Atleti supporters to the brink of madness as they watched, in utter disbelief, how he coolly slotted in three successive goals to lead his squad to a huge 3-2 victory over Osasuna.
We recently wrote about Atlético manager Quique Sanchez Flores’ thoughts on Juanfran, who came to Atleti from Osasuna in the January transfer window to replace Simao. The right winger hasn’t seen much action during his short stint with los Colchoneros. Clearly dejected with how things stand at present, he told the Spanish press that “everyone, not just myself, expected that I would be playing more.”
Luis Perea, Fran Mérida, Joel and Diego Forlán were all in action for their countries this week as La Liga pauses for the international break. We round up this week’s action, with Atlético players representing their nation’s colours across all levels.
If today’s reports of a deal for Turkish midfielder Arda Turan have any basis in fact, they may be an indicator of what Atleti plans to do with Eduardo Salvio, another promising young talent, currently on loan at Benfica. Given los Rojiblancos’ non-EU passport situation and Turan’s reported fee of €12m, it appears as if Atlético’s front office might be banking on a Salvio sale.
Last night we caught a glimpse at ‘what could’ve been’ with an uplifting victory over our once direct rivals Villarreal. Perhaps the triumph was somewhat bittersweet as many fans will likely wonder where this sensational team has been hiding all season long. Check out our notes and quotes from this magical evening at the Calderón.
Last season a lone goal by Manu del Moral decided the lesser of the Madrid derbies in Getafe’s favour. Tonight, the match was heading in the same direction as Manu opened up the scoring early, but a late strike by Elias salvaged a crucial point for Atlético. It was the Brazilian’s first since arriving at Atleti in the winter transfer window.