Simeone's Atlético: A Worthy Rival for Real Madrid
Atlético de Madrid has proven to be a worthy rival for Real Madrid in the derbies, thanks to the arrival of Diego Simeone. Despite the no red card for Ceballos and the Bernabéu’s grass, the rojiblancos have demonstrated their equality with Real Madrid.
The team’s mentality has changed since Simeone’s arrival, and the numbers confirm this trend. In the last 5 derbies in LaLiga, Atlético has not been defeated, which is the second-best streak after the one achieved between 2013 and 2016.
Simeone has managed to challenge Real Madrid’s dominance in the capital, and the equality is maximum. Since the Copa del Rey win at the Bernabéu, 42 derbies have taken place with 13 Madrid wins, 12 Atlético wins, and 17 draws.
The Atlético dressing room has also noticed that the Bernabéu’s roof affects the game, and that the hardness of the grass can affect the players’ accuracy. Despite the details that can change a game, Simeone’s Atlético is already a rival that looks Real Madrid in the eye.
