Backpass Part 1 Atletico Madrid made a smooth transition from dark horse contender to legitimate threat in this years UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, dispatching Barcelona 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) at the Vicente Calderon. All this without 33-goal Diego Costa—the man whom so often rides to their rescue with a solitary, deciding goal—and Turkish speedster Arda Turan, essential to their quick-break, counterattacking philosophy. But with Atleti there is no grumbling, no kicking their feet in the sand; they got on with it, plain and simple, and plugged viable replacements into a well-oiled, nearly unbeatable system. Real Madrid have shown areas of weakness in La Liga and Europe, Bayern Munich can seemingly only turn it on when theyre a goal down and Chelsea still lack a striker who can make the difference no matter what Demba Ba says. Atletico Madrid present a horror tactical matchup for any side who struggles to break down deep defensive systems set out in low-blocks. Bayern, Real and Chelsea could all fall should they draw the perceived dark horses. Simeones narrow, hardworking 4-4-2 is easily the most frustrating, stubborn formation in world football right now. They sit deep, pack the middle, man-mark the wide men and tell the opponents full-backs: cross it in—if you dare. Indeed, they remain the only unbeaten team in this seasons Champions League. Question: Can anyone beat Diego Simeones Atletico Madrids tactical system?
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 09:01:06 +0000
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