Atletico Madrid Finally Shrug Champions League Hangover with Win over Getafe

As Atletico Madrid and Getafe walked out onto the turf at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday, it was difficult to ignore a certain degree of symmetry that was apparent.

For it was in December when Villarreal, dressed in yellow kits, seized their chance against a weary Atleti. On that occasion, Diego Simeone's men had just returned from a gruelling Champions League battle with Juventus, and—despite a number of disappointing post-Europe results to that point—Atletico fielded essentially the same XI that had been used earlier that week in Turin. 

It meant the hosts were vulnerable.

They were there for the taking. And Villarreal didn't miss the chance, snatching all three points with an impressive counter-attacking victory sealed by Luciano Vietto.

In doing so, the Submarino Amarillo became the third team in La Liga to defeat Atletico immediately after a Champions League encounter this season and the fourth to steal points from them in such circumstances.

Again, a European hangover had set in.

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On Saturday, somewhat ominously, there that situation was again. A taxing Champions League arm wrestle with Bayer Leverkusen had preceded this contest—one that had gone to extra time and penalties. Atleti were battered and bruised. And the opponents looking to do the damage were, once more, dressed in yellow. 

So as the teams shook hands prior to the opening whistle, there was that lingering thought: "Surely not again?"

But there was an important difference this time around: Simeone's squad was battered, yes, but the XI was fresh.

His hand forced because of injuries and suspension, the Atletico boss used a vastly changed side from the one that fought for two hours with Leverkusen.

In midfield, Tiago and Gabi returned. Up front, Fernando Torres and Raul Jimenez took the places normally occupied by Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann. 

And at the back, Diego Godin returned to replace the suspended Miranda, while Jan Oblak—who's been starved of playing time all season—was awarded his La Liga debut due to Miguel Angel Moya's injury (hamstring).

Of course, had Simeone had all his players at his disposal, such changes might not have transpired. Indeed, the manager's selections would have been intriguing had his hand not been forced.  

But such speculation is now irrelevant. Changes were made. And they worked. 

For Atletico, that's important. 

Whereas Simeone's men have often looked lethargic and off-colour following European duties (remember how they were blown away in 15 minutes by Valencia?), there was an obvious energy to his team against Getafe on Saturday.

Yes, the opponents were of a lesser standard, but it was the early intent that was notable—their immediate enthusiasm that was the point of difference from other post-Champions League outings.

They started quickly.

They pressed. They chased. They tackled hard. They hunted in numbers. They recovered the ball quickly.

Their passing was swift. 

And, from the opening minute, they bombarded the visitors' box, earning an instant reward through Torres and then again later through Tiago.

Had you not known they were coming off an intensely physical fight against Bayer, you probably would have assumed they'd enjoyed a week or two off. 

Fresh legs did wonders.

Moving forward, it's a critical template for Atleti. 

In the next month, Los Colchoneros will take part in, remarkably, their seventh and eighth Madrid derbies of the season when they meet Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. 

Given their record against their crosstown rivals this season (four wins, two draws), Atleti will like their chances of progressing. But it's what they do immediately after those European nights that's just as important.

Now in a race with Valencia for the third and final guaranteed place in next season's Champions League, every point in La Liga is invaluable. Every game, every goal, matters. Every. Single. One. 

For Atletico, the European hangovers that have hampered their season must be avoided. 

And on Saturday, Simeone's men, with a strong win over Getafe, showed how they can be.