The transformation of Atletico Madrid from also-rans to real contenders under Diego Simeone was completed with a breathtaking Liga title in 2013-14. The Colchoneros smashed the dual dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid with a brilliant season, inspired by the goals and heroics of Diego Costa.
Simeone masterminded Atletico’s first league title in 18 years, while also ending a run of 10 consecutive wins for Barca or Madrid since Valencia last prevailed in 2003-04. But in truth, one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory could have been won by any of the three front-runners and was eventually decided on the very last day of the season, in heart-stopping fashion.
CHANGES
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid changed managers in the summer of 2013, and went for coaches of contrasting experience. The Blaugrana brought in Gerardo Martino, who had never previously managed in Europe, to replace Tito Vilanova who was forced into leaving his position due to suffering from cancer, which would tragically take his life in 2014. Madrid, meanwhile, recruited highly experienced and highly successful coach Carlo Ancelotti. In terms of transfer acquisitions, it was one of the biggest summer windows in history. Los Blancos brought in Gareth Bale from Tottenham for a world-record fee at the time for 100m euros, whilst also adding the imperious Isco and Asier Illarramendi. Barca would flex their financial muscle, too, as they signed one of the most coveted players in the world, Neymar, from Santos. Atletico Madrid would take advantage of this too, as they brought in World Cup winner, David Villa, who was deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.
SUMMARY
The 2013-14 term began with new faces on the bench for both Clasico rivals. Barcelona had turned to former Paraguay and Newell’s Old Boys coach Martino, while after Jose Mourinho’s exit, Madrid fell back on the wealth of experience – not to mention the enviable Champions League pedigree – of Carlo Ancelotti. It was…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/atletico-madrid-break-clasico-duopoly-la-liga-in-2013-14/71
Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Martin Macdonald)
Publish date : 2024-08-01 12:00:00
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