Atleti riding the crest of a wave

Diego Simeone’s side have succeeded in striking the perfect balance to hit top form in the second half of the campaign. The Rojiblancos are handily placed in fourth spot after putting together a five-game winning streak in LaLiga.

Atletico Madrid have had a rather odd season, in which their usually watertight backline has been breached with greater regularity than in years gone by. However the reigning LaLiga Santander champions have been back to the Atleti of old in recent months. Indeed, since the turn of the year, the Colchoneros have prevailed in eight of their 11 league outings.

During that sequence of games, Simeone’s charges have only tasted defeat to the formidable FC Barcelona, who themselves are enjoying an equally impressive winning run, whilst also suffering a narrow home defeat at the hands of Levante UD. However, since that reverse against the Valencians back on 16 February, the Wanda Metropolitano-based outfit are unbeaten.

What’s more, the Madrilenians have gone on to win five LaLiga Santander games on the trot and are undefeated across all competitions in this period. The Indios have enjoyed a sensational March, in which they’ve overcome all who’ve stood in their way.

Since being edged out by Levante, Atletico have chalked up wins over CA Osasuna, RC Celta, Real Betis, Cadiz CF and Rayo Vallecano. One player who’s stood out during the team’s recent purple patch is Portuguese prodigy João Felix, who is fully expected to lead the Rojiblancos’ on-field charge both now and in the future.

Over the past month and a half, the Menino de Ouro has produced some of his best form since checking in at the Metropolitano. The Atleti schemer has started each of the team’s last five games, netting four times and turning in some truly dazzling displays, including a stellar showing in the away triumph over Real Betis, which saw him bag his maiden LaLiga Santander brace. Atletico are starting to hit top gear at just the right time and it’ll be interesting to see exactly where it takes them as we enter the final furlong of the campaign.