Atlético: The Power of the Bench
Atlético de Madrid has established itself as a master in leveraging the five substitutions, a strategy that Simeone perfected since the pandemic to lead the team to glory. The rojiblanca squad stands out for the great contribution of its substitutes, being one of the teams with the most goals scored by players coming off the bench.
A clear example is Alexander Sorloth, who has emerged as one of the best game-changers in the major European leagues, with a significant number of goals scored after entering the field.
The last game was a demonstration of the power of the rojiblanco bench, with an assist from Llorente and a goal from Julián Álvarez, both substitutes. Atlético’s success lies in a large and competitive squad, where Simeone’s hand drives each player to perform at their best, regardless of the minutes they play.
Cholo explains it as a card game, where he needs to have options for every situation in the game. In the current League, Atlético’s substitutes have contributed with 16 goals and 13 assists, a remarkable figure.
This squad depth contrasts with that of their rival, Real Madrid, whose substitutes have generated much fewer goals and assists. Simeone’s ability to manage a large and talented group is key to facing the demands of competing on multiple fronts, maintaining intensity and level of play during matches, as seen in duels against rivals such as Barcelona or Athletic. Atlético’s bench is a fundamental weapon in their aspiration to continue reaping success.
