When Spain’s La Liga finally kicks off this weekend, all eyes will be on Real Madrid’s Galacticos and Barcelona’s reigning treble winning squad.
Although the top two will certainly look to gain the major silverware, is there any way that Atletico Madrid can cause an upset?
Even if Atletico can’t snag any trophies this season, they will certainly make life difficult for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and any teams they face in this season’s Champions League.
Although their northern neighbors Real grabbed most of the headlines, the off-season was anything but quiet at the Vicente Calderon. After Atletico finished its season in scintillating form by clinching Spain’s final Champions League place, rumors began to swirl about the exit of Argentina internationals Sergio “Kun” Aguero and captain Maxi Rodriguez.
Rodriguez saw his captaincy called into question when he threw the armband at Antonio Lopez after being substituted against Barcelona, the former Espanyol star was expected to leave Madrid. As it turned out, Rodriguez merely stepped down as captain, but decided to remain at the club despite interest from clubs in England and Italy.
With his less than stellar captaincy behind him, Maxi—who is a big personality in the dressing room—says will be more focused on playing, rather than helping out other players off the pitch.
Aguero was one of the most highly sought after strikers in the Europe, with English duo Chelsea and Manchester United heavily linked with the former Independiente man.
Aguero constantly pledged his allegiance to the Madrid outfit, while there is speculation that his international colleague Carlos Tevez’s rough relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson may have deterred him from moving to Old Trafford.
Aguero’s future with Atletico Madrid appeared to be confirmed when he appeared in a Champions League qualifying match against Panathinaikos, cup tying the Argentinian. Aguero looks poised to have his best season yet, as he has finally had a chance to play a proper preason with the club after missing the last two summers on international duty with Argentina’s 2007 U20 World Cup and 2008 Olympic Football Tournament winning sides.
Aguero’s strike partner and Pichichi winner, Diego Forlan, who was also linked with a move away from Los Colchoneros, decided to stay as well. Forlan and Aguero have accounted for 91 goals the last two seasons, and holding onto them was integral to Atletico’s cause.
With the three South Americans and Portugal international Simao Sabrosa providing the attacking flair, Atletico will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Simao gives coach Abel Resino an added dimension as a set piece specialist, especially dangerous from direct free kicks.
Brazilian Cleber Santana and Jose Antonio Reyes were brought back in off loan to add to the attacking depth that already features Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
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