Atletico Madrid's 11-game winning streak is not only the result of their key players but also the impressive strength of their bench. This is the Wanda Metropolitano team's best run since 2012, bringing them close to Barcelona in the La Liga standings and keeping a game in hand.
The trip to Barca this weekend will be a big test but could also be a rare opportunity for Diego Simeone to end his winless streak away from home against this opponent. In addition, a good result also affirms Atletico's ambitions in the title race this season.
In the most recent victory over Getafe, Simeone continued to show his ability to make skillful substitutions. The match started quite tensely when Atletico dominated the first half but could not convert 8 shots into goals. Immediately after the break, the Argentine captain changed tactics when he brought Alexander Sorloth on to replace Samuel Lino to add attacking power.
Just 10 minutes later, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina were introduced, followed by Koke in the 63rd minute. These constant changes quickly paid off as Sorloth scored the only goal of the match in the 69th minute.
“Before the game, I spoke to the players and there were players who always showed determination to play. The players who came off the bench showed great energy and that is our real strength,” Diego Simeone shared.
Atletico Madrid lead Europe in goals scored by substitutes this season, with 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. That is far ahead of Bayern Munich, who are second with 12 goals from the bench.
Among them, Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa are the two most prominent names. Sorloth has scored four goals from the bench in La Liga, including important strikes in matches where Atletico were behind or in a deadlock. Meanwhile, Correa has scored five goals, including stoppage-time goals against Real Madrid in La Liga and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Simeone is famous for making early substitutions. Atletico have made 17 substitutions after half-time in La Liga so far, the most in the league. This helps the Madrid team keep their energy high until the end of the match.
From the 60th minute onwards, Atletico Madrid scored 16 goals in La Liga and conceded only 2. In the final 15 minutes and extra time, Griezmann and his teammates scored 11 goals, leading Europe in this time frame.
The match against Sevilla in early December was a prime example when Atletico were 3-2 down and Simeone made a series of substitutions including Sorloth, Koke, Lino and Correa. As a result, Lino scored the equaliser before Antoine Griezmann sealed a 4-3 win with a goal in the 90+4 minute.
Atletico Madrid currently have a squad with significant depth thanks to major investments in the 2024 summer transfer window. New recruits such as Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher and Alexander Sorloth have quickly adapted and become important factors.
In addition, young players like Giuliano Simeone and Pablo Barrios also receive the trust of captain Diego Simeone. This not only helps Atletico be flexible in tactics but also reduces pressure on the pillars.
Simeone also makes the most of squad rotation, keeping his players in top physical condition. While Barcelona and Real Madrid have many players overloaded, Atletico only have one player in the top 60 for playing time in La Liga: goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
While Atletico's impressive winning streak has largely come against weaker opponents, this weekend's game against Barcelona will be the real test. Diego Simeone has a young, vibrant squad at his disposal, ready to make a difference. If Atletico can maintain their form and make the most of their bench, they could make their La Liga title dream come true this season.
