Atletico de Madrid, 2014-2015: When Cholo resurrects Torres's career

[bosox4283]

SIMEONE SIGNS A CONTRACT EXTENSION UNTIL 2020!
 
Sorry to yell, but I can't help it. This news is the best news an Atleti fan could hear. Simeone took over the team in December 2001, a team that was listless and struggling -- in fact, the team had just been eliminated in La Copa del Rey by Albacete, a team from Segunda B. Since then, it's been a dream-like ride with Cholo at the helm. The team has won a Europa League, a Copa del Rey, a UEFA Super Cup, a Liga Supercopa, and, most importantly, La Liga. More than the wins, though, the team has formed an identity -- Atletico is tough team that plays with grit and aggressiveness. At times, I'd like to see Atletico display more offensive creativity, but it's hard to argue with the style when the results are so good. 
 
Furthermore, Simeone's long-term extension corresponds with the partnering with one of China's richest men, who bought 20% of the club, and the construction of the new stadium. This increased injection of capital will strengthen Atletico and provide increased stability.
 
During the announcement, when asked about his plans, Simeone responds: "We're just concerned about our next match about Cordoba." Game by game, even when the next game is against the fading Cordoba, these next five years promise to be exciting. 

 

[blueguitar322]

That's outstanding news for anyone who roots for a third team to upset the Barca/Real polarity.  Do you know what the plans are in terms of stadium construction financing?  Will Atletico have to go through a 10-year period with relatively limited spending (a la Arsenal) or are they funding the stadium directly through the Chinese investor?

 

[teddykgb]

Great news for all involved.  I know Simeone was being linked with a move away but that never made any sense at all.  he's like the physical embodiment of that team and its style, it would be a shame to see him elsewhere -- Atletico is where he belongs.

 

[bosox4283]

Atletico had a decent week, winning 1-0 at Villarreal and playing to a draw at home against Athletic. 
 
With three matches remaining, it looks likely that Atletico will finish in the top 4. The goal, of course, is to take third place since it offers direct access to the Champions League.
 
Atletico controls its own destiny: the team has a four-point lead over Valencia. Valencia has to play Real Madrid, while Atletico has to play Barcelona. If Atletico wins two matches, regardless of what Valencia does, Atletico will take third place.
 
It's really exciting for the team the possibility of playing Champions League again. Next year will be the third year that Atletico makes the Champions League, something that has not been accomplished in many, many years.
 
In Simeone, we trust.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

Just like last year, Atletico - Barca will likely decide the league. 

 

[bosox4283]

This thread should be called: "When Torres Saves Atletico's Season".
 
Torres scored two pivotal goals down the stretch. Against Villarreal, a match Atleti won 1-0, Torres score the lone goal and the winner. The goal was all his, too. Torres managed to put pressure on the defender, who turned the ball over to Torres. Torres takes off and ends up with a one-on-one situation with the keeper, who he beats for the goal. Three points.
 
Then, against Levante, Atletico is losing 2-1 when Torres scores an impressive header to tie the match. One point.
 
Those four points were absolutely huge, allowing Atletico to maintain third place and keep a three-point lead against Valencia. Now, in the last match of the season, Atletico must win or tie to keep third place. Third place, of course, offers direct access to the Champions League, which corresponds with about a 20M euros injection of funds.