Diego Simeone’s men have made major strides this season and from being a club which battled for a top four spot in yesteryears, Atletico have turned into title contenders.
Their performances in the Champions League have been even more overwhelming. Atleti were one of the few teams which managed to go past the group stages of the competition unscathed winning five of the six matches they played with the away fixture against Zenit Petersburg resulting in a draw.

Those were the only two points Atletico dropped this season in Europe and the way they have been playing, it will not be a surprise if they do the unthinkable by winning the Champions League while being the underdogs, something Jose Mourinho’s Porto did when they won the competition back in 2004.

Despite their good form, Atletico will have to be at their consistent best if they are to have any chance of clinching the cup at the expense of other heavyweights in the competition. Below are five reasons why Los Colchoneros are capable of producing the shock of the season.

The influence of Diego Simeone

When El Cholo was appointed back in December 2011, the club was more or less in shambles having not won a domestic title since 1996. The Argentinean has since then transformed the club instilling his philosophy which has done wonders for the club.

Just like Simeone was as a player, his team appears energetic, hungry and viciously competitive. Atletico are no longer a one dimensional counter attacking side, Simeone has improved his side a lot for the better. This season Atleti have appeared to be more resilient and patient. They are comfortable with sitting deep, frustrating their opponents then hitting them back on the break. They are equally at ease with pressing high and tormenting their counterparts in the opposition half.
All in all Diego Simeone’s tactical astuteness will really be a source of concern for their opposition and the Argentinean’s influence will definitely come in handy when they go against the big boys of Europe.

The emergence of Diego Costa

The Brazilian born forward remained in the shadows of Radamel Falcao and the Colombian’s 34 goals overshadowed 20 the Brazilian had scored last season. With Falcao having departed for the riches of Monaco, Costa this season has exemplified through his performances that he definitely is a world class striker.

Costa has a penchant to produce brilliant moments in a game which can turn the tide in his team’s favour and in a cup competition where results are decided on fine margins Costa’s presence will be very valuable to Atletico.

Solid at the back

Los Colchoneros have conceded the least number of goals in La Liga this season and their good defensive work has also been evident in European matches where they conceded just three goals in the six matches they played in the group stages of the Champions League.

Much of this is down to some very talented individuals which they have at the back. The partnership of Diego Godin and Miranda has been vital. The two experienced centre backs really compliment one another and have produced exemplary performances from the heart of defence. In Toby Alderweireld, Atletico have a capable backup who can do a commendable job when called upon. The fullbacks Juanfran and Filipe Luis are also highly competent and have performed admirably both when attacking and defending.

Finally on loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois never fails to impress. Despite his young age the Belgian has tremendous ability and has at times single-handedly kept his side in matches.

Well composed midfield

In modern football a well balanced midfield has become the cornerstone to a team’s performances. Atletico have this season massively benefited from a very strong midfield. Gabi and Mario Suarez in particular have been crucial to Atletico’s success this season. The duo is positioned just in front of the back four and makes it very difficult for oppositions to break them down.

Their discipline and sturdiness gives attacking players such as Koke and Arda Turan the liberty to freely express themselves higher up the field and Koke in particular has been exceptional. The 22 year old has provided nine assists to his teammates in La Liga this season and is only behind Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas in the assists table.

Cup specialists

Atletico have proven to be cup specialist in the last few years. Under Diego Simeone, Atletico have made it a habit of raising their game on the big occasion. This was very evident through their 4-1 thumping of Chelsea as they lifted the Uefa Super Cup in 2012, after winning the Europa Cup in the prior season at the expense of Fulham. Their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last year was also proof of the fact that Diego Simeone’s men are capable of battling it out with the biggest clubs in Europe.

Conclusion

Even though a Champions League trophy might not be one of Atletico’s targets for the season, but considering the way Diego Simeone’s men have been playing this season it might not hurt for Atletico to be a bit optimistic. Regardless of the stature of their opponents if Los Colchoneros can maintain consistency they will definitely give their counterparts a very hard time.