Atletico Madrid: Potential Challengers to Spain's Hierarchy

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.

Abel Resino, who took over from Javier Aguirre, and chairman Enrique Cerezo kept their important stars up front, and were also able to improve a position that was somewhat of an Achilles’ heel last season, goalkeeper.

Gone is inconsistent Argentine Leo Franco, who had been with the club since 2004. Also departed is Frenchman Gregory Coupet, once a mainstay as Lyon’s number one during the club’s domination of the French league, who never settled and was poor each time he played in Spain.

Now, Atletico Madrid will rely on the future of Spanish goalkeeping, Sergio Asenjo, a European U19 Champion with Spain in 2007. Although he is only 20, Asenjo has held down the number one jersey at Valladollid since 2007, helping the club stay in the top division since being promoted in June 2007.

Asenjo has been in fine form during preseason, and some in the Atletico camp are claiming the youngster will soon be a viable challenger to Iker Casillas in the Spanish national team.

Although defensively many questions still remain, Asenjo should be poised to help compensate for defensive frailties. Underrated Brazilian Paulo Assuncao will sit in front of the back four, while Tomas Ujfalusi and new captain Antonio Lopez will be the calming influences at the back this season.

Veteran Spain international Juanito has been brought in from relegated Real Betis to add experience in the center of defense, while Johnny Heitinga should occupy the right back slot.

There is no doubt that Atletico have the horses going forward to put fear in the hearts of any backline, but lapses in defense could still cause problems. While winning the La Liga title may be a tall order, Atletico should be vying to make a deep run into the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

Atletico topped Panathinaikos in Greece 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, with Maxi, Forlan, and Aguero all finding the net. At the Vicente Calderon, Heitinga’s cross and Forlan's pull-back forced Pana into an own goal, before El Kun sealed the tie with a brilliant solo run eight minutes from time.

The 5-2 aggregate win should give them much confidence, especially considering Atletico did not lose a match in the Champions League last season, going out to Porto 2-2 on away goals in the Round of 16.

The Rojiblancos should have beaten Liverpool at Anfield last season, but Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard dived to win a penalty in injury time, canceling out Maxi’s opener.

After proving that they can play in a tough group last season by emerging above Marseille and PSV and taking Liverpool to the brink, there is no question Atletico should be considered a dark horse in Europe this year.

While winning the league over a 38 game schedule may prove too daunting of a task for a squad with relatively little depth, Atletico should like their chances of once again finishing in the top four, despite the challenge from outsiders Valencia and Villarreal.