Although in October almost everyone considered Atlético de Madrid to be written off, the reality is that the red-and-whites remain in the fight for LaLiga, even if it may hurt some. The last four months of the team from Madrid clearly show the high level of the squad and the hunger that exists in the locker room to win titles again. Only one defeat in that entire period, against Leganés in January, marks the best winning streak in the history of the Madrid club.
However, it seems that from LaLiga they are determined to lend a hand to Real Madrid and Barça so that they have an advantage over their rival. The latest has been the publication of the schedule for the matchday that will take place right after the last international break of this season. Coincidentally, the red-and-whites are the clear losers in this aspect, just as they have been in other decisive moments of the season.
LaLiga Hits Atlético de Madrid
Surely, everyone in October thought that the red-and-whites would have no real chance of competing in LaLiga. The defeat against Real Betis seemed to put too much distance in between to be able to compete with Real Madrid and Barça. Nothing could be further from the truth, as the red-and-whites managed to reach the top of the standings and are now only one point behind the leader.
However, it seems that from LaLiga they are not going to give any ease to Simeone and his players, something that is clear after the latest decision. Atlético de Madrid will play away against Espanyol on Saturday, March 29 at 4:15 PM, right after the last international break. It is a very detrimental schedule, as many of the South American footballers will have to cross the ocean to wear their country's jersey.
Four Argentinians and a Doubt in Brazil
Last week, some of the provisional lists of the South American national teams were published, and there are several protagonists from the red-and-white team. Scaloni would have called Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa, and Julián Alvarez, all of them with options to add many minutes against Uruguay and Brazil. Precisely, in the preliminary list of the five-time world champion is Samuel Lino, who could have his great opportunity to debut with his country.
Usually, Simeone tends to rest these types of players when returning to the usual dynamic, however, this is an exceptional moment. Evidently, it is not the first time that LaLiga seeks to give less rest to some teams, as it is argued that in the end, everything evens out. The only thing that is certain is that it will be very difficult to end the excitement of a team and a fanbase that already have their eyes on the titles.