Inglorious Basterds: An Atletico Madrid Story

[02jiw22]

Atleti unable to stop La Decima

Diego Simeone's brave side came within two minutes of completing a historic double in Lisbon after wrapping up the La Liga title.

Instead Atletico's city rivals Real Madrid sealed their 10th European triumph after a 4-1 win at Benfica's Stadium of Light.

Questions over the future of Los Rojiblancos' inspirational manager Simeone and their star players are now top of the agenda ahead of the new season when Atletico attempt to retain their league crown and again thrive in Europe.

The likes of talismanic goal-getter Diego Costa, midfield schemer Koke and young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are all tipped to move on with Europe's richest clubs circling the Vicente Calderon.

 

[hyperblast7]

Always like seeing an Atletico Madrid story, I'll be following good luck!

 

[02jiw22]

CHOLO VOWS TO FIGHT ON

Diego Simeone has promised to remain at the Vicente Calderon next season but admits some players with leave.

The ferocious Argentinian believes Atletico can continue to compete for the top honours despite the prospect of losing their main stars before the start of the 2014/15 season.

"I have a squad of champions," explained Simeone.

"And I thank my players for everything they have give for me, the fans and the shirt this season, but our work must continue.

"Some may leave but we will look to improve regardless."

Many expect Thibaut Courtois to return to his parent club Chelsea after a two-season loan at the Vicente Calderon. Brazilian playmaker Diego Ribas is also tipped to leave, while it is unclear whether Jose Sosa's loan move from Metalist Kharkiv will be made permanent.

Diego Costa is set to be the biggest departure with Chelsea circling the ?40 million-rated forward. The likes of Miranda, Diego Godin and Koke have all been linked with big-money moves.

 

[02jiw22]

ATLETI STARS HEAD TO BRAZIL

Seven Atletico Madrid players selected for 2014 World Cup.

Some of Los Rojiblancos' stars have been rewarded for a fantastic season in which they won the La Liga title and made it to the final of the Champions League will head to Brazil looking for further success with their national sides.

Spain - Diego Costa, Koke, David Villa and Juanfran

Belgium - Toby Alderweireld

Uruguay - Diego Godin and Cristian Rodriguez

On-loan pair Thibaut Courtois and Jose Sosa will also be on the flight to Brazil with Belgium and Argentina respectively.

 

[02jiw22]

SOSA SIGNS ON

Atletico agree deal to sign Argentine wideman

Atletico Madrid have moved in the transfer market as speculation begins to grow over a number of their star players.

Jose Sosa, who moved to the Vicente Calderon on-loan in January, has agreed to make his move from Metalist Kharkiv permanent for a fee of 7.5 million Euros.

The 28-year-old winger has signed a three-year-deal and becomes Diego Simeone's first signing of the summer.

In terms of outgoing transfers Arsenal have been rebuffed in a bid for Brazilian left-back Filipe while Chelsea have reportedly meet Turkey international Arda Turan's release fee and will be allowed to discuss terms with the midfielder.

A move for talented playmaker Koke looks even closer with Paris Saint Germain seemingly close to completing a 26m Euros deal. Manchester City are also interested in the Spain international.

 

[02jiw22]

PSG TAKE ATLETI PAIR

French champions Paris Saints Germain have completed a 50 million double deal for Atletico Madrid midfield duo Koke and Arda Turan.

The Parisians had agreed a 26m Euros fee with the Spanish champions for Koke before stealing Turan from under the noses of Chelsea for 25.5m.

The double deal is a huge blow to Atletico Madrid who still expect to lose Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa before the start of the new season.

It remains to be seen whether Los Rojiblancos will be able to spend the full amount they recoup in the transfer window.

Goalkeeper Roberto is also set to make his loan move to Olympiakos for around 6m Euros.

 

[02jiw22]

CHELSEA SIGN COSTA

Chelsea complete 38m deal for Atletico striker.

Atletico Madrid's Player of the Season Diego Costa has agreed a massive move to Stamford Bridge.

The nationalised Spanish striker has finally completed his protracted move to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

The Brazilian-born frontman notched an impressive 27 La Liga goals last term alerting Europe's biggest sides.

Costa is currently on international duty with Spain at the World Cup and will join up with his new club after the tournament.

In other news for the Spanish champions, Adrian Lopez has agreed a new three-year deal at the Vicente Calderon.

 

[02jiw22]

ATLETI GET DAMIAO

Atletico Madrid have signed a replacement for Chelsea-bound Diego Costa in the form of Brazilian international Leandro Damiao.

The 24-year-old frontman agreed a four-year-deal after Los Rojiblancos confirmed a 10.6m Euro deal with Santos.

Damiao, who has 17 caps and three goals for Brazil, has been charged with filling the void left by Diego Costa who inspired Atleti to the title last season.

Damiao only played 15 games for Santos scoring six times in the process. He had previously starred for Internacional scoring 33 times in just under 100 games.

 

[rocheyb]

I like the headline/article style of your posts. Good stuff.

 

[02jiw22]

MINO MOVES IN

Atletico Madrid have continued their recruitment drive by signing Boca Juniors wideman Juan Sanchez Mino.

The 24-year-old agreed a four-year deal after Los Rojiblancos met Boca's 3.7m Euro asking fee.

Mino becomes Atletico's third signing of the summer and it remains to be seen whether Diego Simeone will further rebuild his side that has seen the departures of Koke, Arda Turan and Diego Costa amongst others.

Who would you like to see Atletico sign in the final couple of weeks of the transfer window?

 

[02jiw22]

NEW DAWN FOR ATLETI

La Liga champions Atletico Madrid will kick-off a new era at the place they sealed the league title in May - the Camp Nou.

Diego Simeone's 'Inglorious Basterds' open the 2014/15 campaign against Luis Enrique's Barcelona and they will do so without four key performers from last term's Liga triumph.

Koke (far left), Arda Turan, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois have all departed the Vicente Calderon while Leandro Damiao and Juan Sanchez Mino have arrived from South America.

Simeone admits his side are still not finished in the transfer market with the likes of Ever Banega, Marc Stendera, Ante Rebic and Roberto Pereyra being linked in the Spanish press.

Atleti start the campaign as third favourites (3-1) with the bookmakers to retain their crown behind city rivals Real and Barca.

Where do you think Atletico Madrid will finish in the 2014/15 La Liga table?

 

[02jiw22]

BARCA BATTER CHAMPIONS

Barcelona smashed Diego Simeone's new look Atletico Madrid 5-0 at the Camp Nou.

A brace from Dani Alves plus goals from Joel Matip, Andres Iniesta and Xavi saw off the sorry champions who look a million miles away from the side that won La Liga last term. To make matters worse Raul Garcia limped off before half time while new signings Leandro Damiao and Juan Sanchez Mino both had debuts to forget.

 

[02jiw22]

ARGENTINE PAIR ARRIVE

Atletico Madrid have further bolstered their ranks with just a week to go before the transfer window slams shut.

Long-term target Angel Correa joined from San Lorenzo alongside Argentina international Ever Banega who cost 24m Euros.

The 25-year-old started his career with Boca Juniors in his homeland before moving to Valencia in 2008 and he established himself as one of the most exciting playmakers in Europe during his time in Spain.

He spent the last six months on-loan at Newells Old Boys in his homeland having came close to joining Atletico.

Nineteen-year-old Correa has been dubbed the new Sergio Aguero having starred for his hometown club San Lorenzo in Argentina.

As well as centre-forward the youngster can also operate as an attacking midfielder. He is likely to provide competition for the likes of David Villa, Leo Baptistao, Leandro Damiao and Adrian Lopez in the Atletico frontline.

 

[DarrylFMgenius]

Great read and a lot of money made. Will keep following

 

[minergy]

Great read and good luck, I will follow.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

[space]

Great story mate

 

[02jiw22]

DRAMATIC DEADLINE DAY

Atletico Madrid rounded off their summer of rebuilding with a sensational double swoop on transfer deadline day.

First Sevilla schemer Ivan Rakitic joined for a fee of 15m Euros, he was swiftly followed by Spain hitman Roberto Soldado who arrived from Tottenham for a fee of around 18m Euros.

The reigning La Liga champions have taken just three points from their opening three games of the season and Diego Simeone has acted quickly to arrest their poor form.

Croatia international Rakitic had been linked with a host of top European sides but Atletico managed to win the race agreeing a deadline day deal with Europa League winners Sevilla.

Soldado had cost Tottenham ?26m last summer but after a woeful debut season in England the ex-Valencia forward agreed to return to Spain. It remains to be seen whether Simeone will field Soldado and fellow summer signing Leandro Damiao together upfront.

Also on deadline day Emiliano Insua, Leo Baptistao and Ruben Perez were sold to Benfica, Tottenham and Getafe respectively.

 

[02jiw22]

AUGUST REVIEW

L - Barcelona 5-0 Atleti
W - Atleti 2-0 Levante - Damiao (2)
L - Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Atleti - Juanfran, Filipe

League Position: 11th
Cup Progress: n/a
European Progress: n/a

Player of the Month: Juanfran. The experienced full-back excelled in a more advanced role against Levante and Bilbao. Maybe right-wing could be his new position in the new Atleti.

In Other News: Raul Garcia was injured against Barca but returned before the end of the month.
Leo Baptistao handed in a transfer request over a lack of playing time.
Leandro Damiao, Juan Sanchez Mino and Ever Banega all made their Atleti debuts.

 

[02jiw22]

SEPTEMBER REVIEW

LL: W - Atleti 4-2 Elche - Damiao, Rodriguez, Adrian(2)
UCL: L - Rubin Kazan 1-0 Atleti
LL: D - Sporting 0-0 Atleti
LL: W - Atleti 2-0 Zaragoza - Raul Garcia, Adrian
LL: D - Betis 3-3 Atleti - Damiao(2), Raul Garcia
UCL: W - Atleti 2-1 Shakhtar - Adrian(2)

League Position: 5th (11 points from 7 games)
Cup Progress: n/a
European Progress: 2nd in Champions League Group H

Player of the Month:Adrian . Five goals in five games across the month from the attacker speaks for itself.

In Other News: Roberto Soldado suffers a broken leg in training and will miss the rest of the season.
Real Madrid and Barcelona both start the season with seven straight wins, they are both already 10 points ahead of Atleti.

 

[02jiw22]

OCTOBER REVIEW

LL: W - Celta 0-2 Atleti - Sosa, Adrian
LL: W - Atleti 2-0 Malaga - Adrian, Miranda
UCL: L - Atleti 0-1 Besiktas
LL:L- Atleti 0-2 Real Madrid
LL: W - Espanyol 0-2 Atleti - Sosa(2)

League Position: 4th (20 points from 11 games)
Cup Progress: n/a
European Progress: 3rd in Champions League Group H

Player of the Month: Jose Sosa. The dependable Argentine was brilliant especially against Espanyol where he grabbed both goals.

In Other News: Leandro Damiao missed three games in the month due to injury.
Miranda, Raul Garcia, David Villa and Ivan Rakitic also picked up injuries missing a game each.
Borja Baston made his Atleti debut during the month.