标题: 西蒙尼和马竞可否挑战西超“二人转”垄断格局? [打印本页] 作者: Penelope 时间: 2013-8-29 00:30 标题: 西蒙尼和马竞可否挑战西超“二人转”垄断格局? Can Atletico Madrid mount a serious challenge to FC Barcelona and Real Madrid?
Year after year the story is much the same, Madrid or Barca? This has been the case since Rafa Benitez’ Valencia side won la Liga almost a decade ago. Since then the ‘big two’ have held a firm grip over the title in Spain. The Madrid-Barcelona hegemony is in little danger of being stopped, unfortunately, but last season Atletico ran the two powerhouses very close.
Ateltico’s brilliant season came was rewarded with a hugely impressive victory against city rivals Real, in the Copa Del Rey final. Atleti’s victory was their first against Real since 1999, and even came in Real’s own Bernabeu stadium.
Atletico’s evolution from inconsistent and often calamitous side into a sturdy, hard-working, well drilled unit has come under the guise of former player Diego Simeone. ‘Cholo’ as he is known singed a new long term deal last season and the current project over at the Calderon is looking very promising. The loss of last season’s top goalscorer, Radamel Falcao was quickly dealt with as the Rojiblancos brought in David Villa from Barcelona. Villa’s signing could prove to be quite a coup in the coming season. The former Valencia man had been out of favour at the Camp Nou since his unfortunate leg break in December 2011, and a being made first choice again could rekindle his brilliant goalscoring form.
The £50 million gained from the selling of Falcao has also been used to bring in Brazilian Leo Baptisao from Rayo Vallecano. The 20 year-old performed impressively last season and will also help to replace some of Falcao’s goals. Along with those two Ateltico have added Martin Demichelis from Malaga and 18 year old defender Jose Gimenez. Fortunately too for the club they haven’t had to sell any other key players. Front-man and general deviant Diego Costa has been linked with a move away from the Calderon recently but it looks likely that he’ll stay put. Perhaps most importantly they will have goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ services at their disposal for another season. Holding on to him and hopefully Diego Costa will be crucial for Atleti this season.
Atletico will be hoping that they can replicate some of last season’s for and solidify their status as a Champions League side. Realistically the best they can hope for in La Liga is a third place finish, the key will be keeping up with the other two for as long as possible. Given last season’s showings there is no reason why they should feel they can’t compete though.
Psychologically they are in better shape than in a long time. They even have the upper hand, off-field anyway, over Real for the first time in at least 14 years. They will want to rid themselves of the status of Real’s whipping boys by building last year’s cup final win. As cup winners they will also play in the Spanish Super Cup against league winners Barcelona, a two-legged affair in which they are definitely capable of winning.
Simeone has gone about his business very discreetly in the transfer market. David Villa looks like he could be a very good signing and the additions of Baptistao and the experienced Demichelis are very intelligent. They begin the new season with a tough trip to Sevilla where they will be looking to pick up where he left off and begin the season positively.
Season Prediction:
La Liga – 3rd place – 12 points behind 2nd
Champions League – Quarter finals
Copa Del Rey – Semi-finals
Super Cup – Winners (Bold prediction)