Story so far: Club Atlético de Madrid
Thursday, December 18, 2014
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Defeat at Olympiacos FC proved a false start for a new-look Club Atlético de Madrid, whose emphatic response included four successive wins and five clean sheets.
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Last season's runners-up Club Atlético de Madrid made a false start to their UEFA Champions League campaign, but four victories and a draw ensured they won Group A at a canter. Diego Simeone's side are much changed from 12 months ago, yet they will approach the round of 16 with confidence levels similarly high.
Story so far
If a shock 3-2 loss at Olympiacos FC in mid-September meant Atlético had to do it the hard way, they bounced back in emphatic fashion. A 1-0 victory at home to Juventus was the prelude to comfortable back-to-back triumphs over Malmö FF, Atleti scoring seven without reply against the Swedish title holders.
The comeback was complete and a last-16 place assured when Mario Mandžukić's hat-trick inspired an act of vengeance to the tune of 4-0 against Olympiacos. A fifth successive clean sheet further banished memories of the matchday one aberration as a 0-0 draw in Turin wrapped up top spot.
Pivotal moment
Having lost in Piraeus, the Rojiblancos would have been forgiven some trepidation as they hosted a Juventus team previously unbeaten in 2014/15. Gianluigi Buffon's defences had not even been breached before entering the Vicente Calderón. Arda Turan's strike 15 minutes from time gave last term's finalists lift-off.
Key player: Koke
The 22-year-old midfielder has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months, his importance in the side growing on an almost weekly basis. After playing a pivotal role in the club's first Liga triumph in 18 years, Koke has become a mainstay for Atlético and Spain this campaign.
Rising star: José María Giménez
Rose to prominence partnering club-mate Diego Godín in the centre of Uruguay's back line at the FIFA World Cup. Though the 19-year-old was forced to wait for his opportunity in the Atleti team, he has emerged as one of the game's most promising young defenders over recent months.
Number: 0
Following the defeat at Olympiacos, Simeone recalled Miguel Ángel Moyà for the rest of the group stage. The goalkeeper repaid his manager's faith by registering five straight shut-outs.
Quote
"I know Simeone's mentality perfectly. I think he is an extraordinary man."
High praise for the Atlético coach from Real Madrid CF favourite and Olympiacos boss Míchel
Next challenge: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
(Away: 25 February, home: 17 March)
The teams' sole previous meetings came in the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League group stage, the games in both Madrid and Leverkusen ending 1-1.