Atletico Madrid in top form

"Effort is not negotiable" is the slogan under which Atlético de Madrid have worked the last few months so that they reach the end of 2015 in a strong position.

Diego Pablo Simeone's men have managed to cut the four point difference between themselves and Liga BBVA leaders FC Barcelona in only two rounds of games, so they now share the top spot with Luis Enrigue's side.

It's an identical situation to two seasons ago, when Atletico drew level with the Catalans on Matchday 15, and then went on to finish the 2013/2014 season as champions, securing the title at the Camp Nou.

Los Rojiblancos have not lost since Matchday Six, when they fell 1-0 away to Villarreal at El Madrigal. Since then, they have gone nine Liga BBVA games without defeat.

But Atlético fans are not only excited by their good run of form in the Liga BBVA. If we take into account the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, Simeone's team are on a 14-match unbeaten streak with 11 wins and 3 draws.

France forward Antoine Griezmann has hit a rich vein of form and he has struck eight times in the league so far. Atletico have made the most of his goals thanks to their rock solid defence. They are the only team in the Liga BBVA with a single figure in the 'goals against' column, having conceded only seven times in 15 outings.