Atlético capped off the best year in club history with yet another triumph at the unconquerable Vicente Calderón, though this 3-2 win came after a vigorously-contested battle against Levante. If ever there was a match to exemplify the era of ‘Cholo’, Sunday night’s was not it. Well, at least, not the beginning of it.
Atlético fooled around with Valencia in the opening half of Sunday’s encounter, waiting until after the break to land all the heavy blows in another knockout performance at the Vicente Calderón that ended in a 3-0 rout. Valencia came into the match having scored in their previous 26 league games, but Atleti completely snuffed out their attack on the night.
Atlético were able to best Elche 2-0 after a fiercely contested first half in which the scrappy hosts matched Simeone’s men in guts and intensity at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Second half goals by the Colchoneros’ dynamic duo of Koke and Diego Costa were enough to put out Fran Escribá’s charges’ fire.
Atlético pounded Getafe into submission on Saturday with a performance that bordered on downright cruelty. The 7-0 annihilation was the worst loss in los Azulones‘ history. The scoreboard also happened to mirror Atleti’s record at ‘Cholo Castle’ this season, with Simeone’s men picking up their seventh home win on the trot.
Atlético soundly defeated Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, shutting out their Basque foes 2-0 for their sixth straight win at the Vicente Calderón. Defended by 52,000 strong for this ‘Fan Club Day’ encounter, ‘Cholo Castle’ remains unconquered in the 2013/14 campaign.
Relax. It was bound to happen. At least, that’s likely what many members of the Rojiblanco faithful kept telling themselves when their beloved Atlético’s bid for a perfect season in La Liga (and a chance to take sole possession of first place) was spoiled by Espanyol on Saturday. Just because it was inevitable didn’t mean it hurt any less for some of us though.
What can we say? You wait 14 years to win a derby, and suddenly two come along in four months. Both at the Bernabéu. On Saturday night, Atlético move five points clear of their local rivals at the top of La Liga.
While it was by no means a dominant performance, Atlético hung on to defeat Osasuna 2-1 at the Vicente Calderón Tuesday night, successfully remaining flawless in La Liga ahead of Saturday’s return to the Bernabéu. Although the end result was the same, the path to the three points against los Rojillos was markedly different from Atleti’s win at Valladolid this past Saturday.
The red and white outlaws held the Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla hostage Saturday night, making their way out of town with a 2-0 victory. The win also makes it a perfect 15 out of a possible 15 points in Primera action so far this campaign. Nothing can stop Cholo’s gang, despite their worst first half of football thus far this season.
Atlético midfielder Mario Suárez earned his first start with the senior Spanish national team in their World Cup qualifier against Finland last Friday. Colchonero midfielder Koke did as well, while veteran La Roja member David Villa also appeared in the fold for his fellow Rojiblancos’ debuts. Villa was removed just before the hour mark, and