Why Atletico Madrid Must Retain Hope of Defending Their Liga Crown

Atletico Madrid are different this season. And no, we're not talking about personnel.

In 2013-14, the entire club, from the manager to the fans, embodied a ferociously defiant mindset that became unshakable. Atletico feared no one, proving themselves as an undaunted force in the face of any challenge, essentially scoffing at the notion that they were inferior to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"I'm here to win," club captain Gabi said bluntly, per Inside Spanish Football, prior to the Champions League final. 

Of course, Los Colchoneros went on to lose that clash, but the result that ensued is now irrelevant. The comment summed up Atletico's mentality: We don't care who you are, we're here to beat you. 

And it's that, in 2014-15, which has changed. The psychology is different. 

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It first became evident during pre-season, when Gabi remarked, per Inside Spanish Football, that it was "going to be hard to be repeat what we achieved last season because Barcelona and Real Madrid have bigger budgets, are spending more on players and have great squads."

Later in October, new goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya mirrored that sentiment, making the rather defeatist comment in an interview with Jorge Garcia of AS that Atletico "are realists, our place is between third and fourth."

But it was Diego Simeone who gave the most telling insight into the hope—or lack thereof—held by Atletico for retaining their Spanish title when he sat down for his press conference after the 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad. 

"I leave content because it's a good date," the manager said, per Inside Spanish Football. "Valencia drew, Sevilla drew, so it wasn't such a bad day for us to lose."

There, in the wake of a damaging setback, was a man who'd carried himself last season like Gerard Butler in 300, openly comparing his side with La Liga's second tier.  

If you needed a definitive indication that Atletico don't see themselves as contenders for the league crown, Simeone provided it. 

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Of course, the manner of his team's discouraging loss at the Anoeta can partly explain the manager's sense of deflation. For it was a horrible night for Atletico in San Sebastian: They lost their cool, they drew eight yellow cards, Guilherme Siqueira was sent off, Mario Mandzukic's incompatibility with his new club was accentuated, Antoine Griezmann's puzzling start to the season continued, the midfield had little impact and Carlos Vela cut apart the defence.  

After such a concoction, Simeone can be excused for feeling a touch exasperated. 

But the apparent resignation in the title fight? That consistent noises coming from Atletico suggesting they don't believe in the defence of their own crown?

It must cease. Now. 

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Only last week, I wrote that Real Madrid are threatening to make La Liga a non-event, such has been their overwhelming dominance since a pair of early-season setbacks. 

Indeed, Los Blancos' form is truly staggering, with their work in front of goal reaching almost unprecedented levels (based on current pace, they're on track for almost 150 league goals this season).

But the basis of the argument was that the hold over La Liga currently being enjoyed by Carlo Ancelotti's men was being aided by the concessions made by the current holders of the trophy. The task will only be easier for Real Madrid if their opponents don't steel themselves for the six-month battle that still remains. 

Simeone's outfit, therefore, must ensure that there's a degree of pressure on Real—that the league leaders know any slip-ups will be punished. 

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Of course, the truth is that the European champions have the destiny of the league title in their hands. If they continue on their current path, they won't be caught. Not even a transitional Barcelona will get close. 

But Atletico can't let go of the hope just yet. Los Colchoneros need to position themselves so they're close enough to capitalise on any moments of misfortune for their crosstown rivals. 

After all, Luka Modric has suffered an injury that could sideline the midfield star for up to three months. What if the same were to happen to Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema or Toni Kroos? What if a thunderous tackle derailed Lionel Messi's season across the country in Catalonia?

It's unlikely, but these things do happen. Moments of misfortune are everywhere in football, with Steven Gerrard's slip against Chelsea that cost Liverpool their grip of last season's Premier League title standing as a notable example. 

For Atletico, the task is simple: They must give themselves the chance to seize on any such moments.

And only maintaining hope will allow them to do so.