For several years now, Diego Simeone has not been able to move past the number of eight titles won while managing Atlético Madrid. Could his 13th season in charge finally bring him the much-needed luck?The new season officially kicks off for Atlético on Monday at 10.30 PM EAT with a match against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. This game will be special for the Rojiblancos as it will mark the debut of three significant summer signings, though only two are expected to start.Atlético desperately needed reinforcements in defense, and they found one in Spanish international Robin Le Normand, for whom Real Sociedad received €34.5 million. Slightly less (€32 million) was paid to Villarreal for Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth, who last season battled with Artem Dovbyk for the top scorer title in La Liga until the final round.If Sorloth can replicate his form at Villarreal under Simeone, he will be a huge addition. He’s expected to threaten his former club from the first minute as a likely starter.Jude criticising his co-stars: You three – finish the attack! It’s really hard to run backHowever, Atlético’s most valuable, high-profile, and eagerly anticipated signing will start the match on the bench. Julián Álvarez, one of the heroes of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, only recently arrived from Manchester City for €75 million and will need a bit more time to integrate into the starting lineup. Atlético fans are buzzing with excitement and impatience to finally see him in red and white, with expectations that he will make his debut at some point in the second half.With these three signings, Simeone finally has reinforcements worthy of competing for the title and the Champions League trophy. The last time Atlético spent this much money was in the summer of 2019, when they broke the €200 million barrier for João Félix, Marcos Llorente, Mario Hermoso, Renan Lodi, Kieran Trippier, Nicolás Ibáñez, and Ivan Šaponjić. That spending spree was funded by the sales of Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernández, and Rodri.##EDITORS_CHOICE##From today’s perspective, Atlético built a weaker team that summer than in previous years, when they won the UEFA Super Cup, and this was reflected in a trophy-less season. Simeone’s team has only lifted one more trophy since then – the 2021 La Liga title, driven by the brilliant form of Luis Suárez.This time around, the feeling is different. Although Álvaro Morata (Milan), Stefan Savić (Trabzonspor), Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe), and Memphis Depay (now a free agent) have left, the impression is that Álvarez, Le Normand, and Sorloth are more than adequate replacements. Realistically, they could improve the team. Consequently, the mood in Madrid is far more optimistic than five years ago. And if Conor Gallagher, whom Simeone is eagerly awaiting, also arrives…Atleti is back 🤩 pic.twitter.com/R5umTx1Lw2— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 18, 2024 Last season, Atlético finished fourth, 19 points behind champions Real Madrid. With Real Madrid opening this season with a 1-1 draw against Mallorca, Atlético now has a chance to leap ahead of the champions. With a victory by two or more goals, they could immediately jump to first place. And from there, everything becomes more achievable…*********************************************ALL DIEGO SIMEONE’S TROPHIES AT ATLÉTICO MADRIDLa Liga: 2014 and 2021Copa del Rey: 2013Spanish Super Cup: 2014Europa League: 2012 and 2018UEFA Super Cup: 2012 and 2018**********************************************LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 1Thursday Ath.Bilbao – Getafe 1-1 (1-0)/Sancet 27 – Uche 64/Betis – Girona 1-1 (1-0)/Bartra 6 – Misehouy 72/Friday Celta – Alaves 2-1 (0-1)/Swedberg 66, Aspas 84 – Garcia 17/Las Palmas – Sevilla 2-2 (1-1)/Nianzou 42 og, Ramirez 71 – Suarez 25 og, Sanchez 61/Saturday Osasuna – Leganes 1-1 (0-1)/Soriano 79 og – Cruz 22/Valencia – Barcelona 1-2 (1-1)/Duro 44 – Lewandowski, 45+5, 49 pen/Sunday Sociedad – Rayo Vallecano 1-2 (0-0)/Zubimendi 90+8 – de Frutos 67, Camello 84/Mallorca – Real Madrid 1-1 (0-1)/Muriqi 53 – Rodrygo 13/Monday 20.00: (2.40) Valladolid (3.25) Espanyol (3.30)22.30: (3.25) Villareal (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.20)***odds are subject to change***
