Football Season Guide

After winning the title in 2020/21, Atletico Madrid had a disappointing 2021/22 campaign. They didn’t come close to defending their title and at one point looked like they might not even make top four. A solid finish secured Champions League qualification, but they finished 15 points behind champions Real Madrid. Perhaps Atletico struggled last year because of a mental hangover from the title win, as it was such a euphoric achievement for the club to win the championship. This year, they come off the back of a trophyless season and should be motivated to go once again under Diego Simeone. There hasn’t been too much change in the squad in the transfer market, as the funds just aren’t there. The summer business has mostly been a case of replacing those who have left, with Alvaro Morata back from loan to replace the departed Luis Suarez or Axel Witsel coming in to take Hector Herrera's spot in central midfield. With Simeone in charge, Atletico should be competitive. That’s their main strength and they have some quality players, with Joao Felix taking major steps last year. But, Atletico’s squad is once again nowhere near as talented or as deep as those of Barcelona and Real Madrid.