As the final matchday of the La Liga season unfolded, five thousand Atletico Madrid fans gathered outside the Jose Zorilla Stadium, brimming with anticipation. Inside, Diego Simeone's men faced a crucial clash against Real Valladolid, with the La Liga title hanging in the balance. In an unpredictable season, any result seemed possible, and as the games at both the Jose Zorilla and Alfredo Di Stefano stadiums kicked off simultaneously, the tension was palpable.
At Valladolid, the hosts initially took the lead, while at
Real Madrid’s home ground, Villarreal held a slender advantage. The stakes
couldn’t have been higher. In the 57th minute, Karim Benzema’s goal for Real
Madrid was ruled out for offside, while at Valladolid, Atletico Madrid’s Angel
Correa equalized. The drama intensified when Luis Suarez put Atletico ahead,
while Real Madrid continued to trail by a goal.
As the minutes ticked down, Benzema’s equalizer and Luka
Modric’s injury-time strike gave Real Madrid hope, but Valladolid could not
hold off Atletico Madrid. With the final whistle, Atletico were crowned
champions of La Liga, securing their first title since the 2013-14 season. Real
Madrid, despite a valiant effort in the face of 62 injuries, could not quite
seal the deal. Yet, it was clear: Atletico Madrid’s triumph was deserved, their
consistency and tactical discipline outshining their rivals.
The Suarez Effect: A Tactical
Revolution
Atletico Madrid’s path to glory was shaped significantly by
the arrival of Luis Suarez, whose influence on the team’s attacking dynamics
cannot be overstated. Simeone’s tactical vision was altered to accommodate the
Uruguayan striker, and this prompted a shift in formation from a traditional
4-4-2 to a more flexible 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. The intention was clear: to create
more space for Suarez in the attacking third while maintaining defensive
stability.
This change had a profound impact on Atletico’s
possession-based play. The team, historically known for their direct and
counter-attacking style, began to dominate possession more frequently, with
their possession percentage rising from 47% to 50%. The average passes per
possession increased from 3.87 to 5.15, while passes in the final third saw a
significant rise from 53.13 to 62.1. These statistics were a direct reflection
of Suarez’s presence, as he thrived in a system that allowed him to find
pockets of space, drop between the lines to facilitate play, and exploit narrow
gaps in the opposition’s defense.
While Atletico’s game became more possession-oriented, they
did not abandon their direct approach when necessary. Simeone’s tactical
flexibility allowed them to start buildups to draw pressure before exploiting
space behind the opposition’s backline with incisive, direct passes. This
balance between control and directness became a hallmark of Atletico’s
attacking play and proved to be a decisive factor in their success.
Defensive Solidity:
Simeone’s Blueprint
Defensive resilience has always been a defining feature of
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, and this season was no different. The decision
to implement a three-man defence allowed for greater coverage in transition
moments, enabling Atletico to remain compact defensively while maintaining a
solid structure in the attack. The wing-backs, higher up the pitch, helped the team
retain possession in the final third, while the three-man defence provided
security against counter-attacks.
Atletico’s defensive organization was characterized by a
blend of zonal and man-marking principles. This hybrid approach allowed them to
cover key zones while ensuring that individual players could apply pressure on
the ball carrier, limiting passing options for the opposition. The result was a
team that made life difficult for their opponents, forcing errors and regaining
possession quickly.
Simeone’s tactical acumen also extended to his team’s
pressing game. While Atletico’s pressing rate decreased this season, largely
due to Suarez’s more selective pressing responsibilities, the team still
excelled in knowing when to press high and when to drop deeper into a more
compact defensive shape. This nuanced approach to pressing was integral to their
ability to disrupt opposition attacks and maintain control of matches.
The Never-Say-Die Attitude:
A Champion’s Mentality
Atletico Madrid’s season was not without its challenges. At
one point, they held a commanding lead in La Liga, only to experience a
mid-season dip that threatened to derail their title hopes. Yet, what set them
apart from their rivals was their ability to respond when the pressure mounted.
While teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona faltered, dropping points in matches
they were expected to win, Atletico never wavered.
The “never say die” attitude that has become synonymous with
Simeone’s Atletico Madrid was on full display as they navigated the final
stretch of the season. When the chips were down, the entire squad rallied together,
ensuring they held their nerve in crucial moments. This mental fortitude,
combined with their tactical discipline, allowed Atletico to secure vital
points and ultimately claim the title.
Conclusion: A Well-Deserved
Triumph
Atletico Madrid’s 2020-21 La Liga title was a triumph of
tactical evolution, defensive solidity, and mental resilience. Simeone’s
ability to adapt his system to suit the strengths of his players, particularly
Luis Suarez, was key to their success. The team’s defensive organization,
coupled with their newfound ability to control possession and exploit space,
made them formidable opponents. And, crucially, Atletico’s unwavering
determination in the face of adversity ensured that they finished the season as
champions.
This victory, long-awaited since their last La Liga title in
2014, was not just a triumph of skill and strategy but a testament to the
collective spirit of a team that never gave up, no matter the odds. Atletico
Madrid’s title was well-earned, and their success this season will be
remembered as one of the most compelling stories in recent La Liga history.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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