Atlético target top spot after moving into second place

Atlético went into the break in second place in LaLiga after moving ahead of Real Madrid in the derby. Despite a start to the season shaped by rebuilding the squad, following seven departures and five arrivals in the last transfer window, Simeone’s side are just five points behind Barcelona. More than half the squad had been unable to complete a conventional pre-season because of their participation in the Mundial.

First place is now the target in sight before the next pause for international fixtures. The team is described as more settled, and can also look to Cuti Romero to lead a substantially reshaped defence. Barrios is ready to make a difference again, while Julián Alvarez is expected to gradually return to his usual level. Atlético have five more league matches before the next break, including Barcelona’s visit to the Metropolitano and the Clásico, both of which could propel them to the top.

The outcome will also depend on their rivals’ results. On 8 November, Atlético could host Flick’s team with the chance to overtake them in the standings with a win, provided they have won their four previous matches. Any result other than a Barcelona victory against Real Madrid would leave Atlético able to approach that fixture with the opportunity in their hands. The route there, however, must be taken one match at a time.

Away games are a central challenge. Atlético will visit Alavés immediately after the break, followed by Espanyol and Levante. Those three fixtures will test their reliability away from the Metropolitano: it was called into question after their collapse at San Mamés, but convincing wins at the Pizjuán and Anoeta, with six goals scored and one conceded, also offer encouragement. The visit to Deportivo adds to this run of games, which will provide a measure of Atlético’s ambitions before the head-to-head meeting with Barcelona.

The schedule is demanding: the 29 days between breaks will bring Atlético as many as eight matches, with the Champions also on the calendar. After losing in Liverpool on the opening matchday, Simeone’s team must also get their push for the top 8 back on track. Two of their three European fixtures will be at the Metropolitano, but Manchester United and then Bayern Munich, in the same week Barcelona visit, will provide high-level tests.