Atletico Madrid's defeat at Ipurua against Eibar on Saturday means that Los Rojiblancos have managed the fewest points at this stage of the season (35) since Diego Simeone took over as coach just over eight years ago.
In spite of this, the side sits in third place in the LaLiga Santander table, level with Sevilla and trailing only Real Madrid and Barcelona in the standings.
In Simeone's first full season, 2012/13, Atletico had racked up 47 points after 20 games. In the following campaign which the Rojiblancos ended as champions, they began the second half of the season with a mighty 51, a significant 16 more than what they currently have.
In 2014/15, Atletico were on 44 points at this stage and, in 2015/16, had amassed 47. The tally most similar to that of the current season was in 2016/17, when Simeone's team had 36 points on the board, and were fourth in the table after 20 matches.
Los Colchoneros had 43 points at the same point of the season in 2017/18, and 41 this time last campaign.
Atletico's high standing in the league this time out does not, however, paint the full picture, as the side has only won nine of its last 20 domestic clashes.
Simeone will be looking to overcome the injury crisis that has plagued his side in the coming months, and address the uncharacteristically leaky defence which has thus far contributed to Atletico's inconsistent showings.
wemknopst
0
#SimeoneOutPochettinoIn
CraigJack
1
Without Morata, the situation of Athletico would have been much worse. When they beat us 7-3 in preseason everyone thought they would go very high but preseason is always just warm up. Simeone is a good coach but I seriously think that to go beyond where they are now Athletico need to add some new stuff to their game. They need to start trying new stuff else the fall will be steeper with time.
Biubcekmst
1
Athletico Madrid just isn't that "athletic"
Biubcekmst
1
Problem with Alético is what you get from too much defensive play.
Yeah, they can't build up from the back so they usually send long balls to Morata
AN-WAR
2
Fans, Don't believe that Atletico Madrid is lost his position. Last 7 years, ATM is fighting against Real Madrid and Barcelona This season ATM is lost their Holp
Vezonic22
1
Problem with Alético is what you get from too much defensive play.