Atlético: Competing Head-to-Head with the Giants
At a time when the Rojiblancos feel disappointed by the elimination in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, and with the La Liga title moving away, it is important to highlight Atlético de Madrid’s performance against their two great rivals: Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Simeone’s team has proven to be a tough nut to crack for both, competing at a very high level. Against Real Madrid, despite the elimination in the Champions League, the balance is surprisingly even.
The Rojiblancos won at the Metropolitano in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 and drew in the two league matches. The overall goal difference in these matches is four for and four against, reflecting maximum equality.
Against Barcelona, the balance leans slightly in favor of the Catalans, with one Atleti win in Montjuic in La Liga, a draw in the same stadium, and two losses at the Metropolitano. The goal difference in these matches is eight goals for and ten against.
Despite not having surpassed Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, these data demonstrate that Atlético is closing the gap with the two giants of Spanish football. Few teams can boast of having competed so closely with both, which indicates that the future is promising for the Colchoneros.
