Simeone's Atlético Hits Top Gear with Three Straight Wins

Atlético de Madrid has shaken off its early-season doubts and heads into the international break with momentum on its side. Three straight wins, including a commanding 3-0 victory at Anoeta and a derby triumph at the Metropolitano, have established Diego Simeone's team as the main challenger to an unstoppable Barcelona. Atlético sits second, five points behind the leaders, and once again looks down on a Real Madrid side it has already beaten this season.

• Atlético has won three in a row after dropping points against Villarreal and Athletic.
• New signings Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored both goals in the derby.
• Cuti Romero and Kang In have settled into the starting lineup without the usual adaptation period.
• Pablo Barrios is out with another muscle injury and Sorloth has yet to make his debut.
• Oblak anchors a defense that has conceded just one goal in the last three wins.

How Atlético Turned Its LaLiga Start Around

Simeone has repeatedly described the team as being in a rebuilding phase. The five points dropped against Villarreal and Athletic raised early concerns, but the defeat at San Mamés triggered an immediate response. Since then, Atlético has strung together three wins that have put the club back in the title race and above Real Madrid in the standings.

The derby brought controversy, but also a clear sporting takeaway: this Atlético side has more resources than in previous years. Four of the five summer signings started the match and delivered strong performances. Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored both goals, while Cuti Romero and Kang In showed they do not need the usual settling-in period that the Argentine coach tends to impose on new arrivals.

Cuti Romero Brings Defensive Stability Back to Atlético

The biggest change from the opening weeks is at the back. Atlético began the season conceding eight goals in four matches, a worrying figure for a Simeone team. But across the last three wins, the defense has allowed just one goal. Cuti Romero's quick adaptation in central defense has been crucial to restoring that sense of order.

Jan Oblak remains a towering presence in goal. The Slovenian has played a decisive role in this stretch of the season and gives the team a foundation to compete in the toughest moments. His form reinforces the feeling that Atlético has once again built from a solid defensive base, the starting point for every great version of this team.

Jonathan David's Goals Cover for Sorloth's Absence

Alexander Sorloth's absence has been one of the biggest headaches of the early season. The Norwegian striker has not been able to debut due to injuries, and the team missed his presence in the opening matches, when Simeone had to play without a clear reference point up front.

Jonathan David's arrival has softened that blow. The Canadian has already scored important goals, and his instinct in the box allows Atlético to compete without depending on a single type of striker. Still, getting Julián back to his best remains a priority for Simeone. If the Argentine rediscovers the form of his first season, Atlético will have more than enough firepower to keep pace with Barcelona.

Pablo Barrios Injury Is the Main Setback

The worst news of recent weeks has been a muscle injury for Pablo Barrios. The academy product, expected to lead Atlético's midfield for the next decade, is sidelined once again by a physical problem. His absence robs the team of one of its most creative and promising players.

The defeat at Anfield in the Champions League opener was always among the possible outcomes for a team in transition. The European schedule will continue to test the squad's depth, and Simeone will need players like Barrios available when the decisive moments arrive.

Álex Baena Is Atlético's Standout Player So Far

Several candidates are vying to be Atlético's best player in this early stretch of the season. The recognition so far goes to Álex Baena, who is riding the momentum from the World Cup and has been the team's most impressive performer. His ability to find space between the lines and create chances gives the attack a different dimension.

After a shaky start, Simeone's side has reached cruising speed with three consecutive wins.

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