Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
After a tremendous season for the Wanda Metropolitano outfit, Atletico Madrid were deservedly crowned champions of Spain.
Atleti have a beautiful and modern stadium that is worthy of La Liga champions, and there are plenty of signs to suggest they are capable of retaining the title next season.
Some clubs struggle when they move into a new stadium, but Atletico Madrid have shown how it's done, after securing the club's 11th top flight league title this season. Atleti moved into the new stadium in Spain's capital for the 2017-18 campaign, and the ground already harbours special memories for the club's loyal supporters.
Atleti, who might well be underdogs again for the title next season in the La Liga betting, managed to overcome Barcelona and Real Madrid for the Spanish crown this term. Manager Diego Simeone and his men led for much of the campaign, and on a nail-biting final day, held their nerve to get over the line. It was an extra special title for striker Luis Suarez, who has come to see the Wanda Metropolitano as his new home. The Uruguayan was released by Barcelona last summer, and showed the Blaugrana they made a mistake this season as he helped Atleti to the title.
Rivals Real Madrid seem to be far from a team that look like they are going into next season in a position of strength. Reports suggest they will look to offload some big names this summer, in a bid to raise funds for a busy transfer window. Both Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard have been linked with moves away from the club, which has an ageing squad at its disposal.
Skipper Sergio Ramos and key midfielder Luka Modric are both 35 years old, while top goalscorer Karim Benzema is 33. Head coach Zinedine Zidane will eventually have to look to the next generation to come through but next season could be a tough one for the French manager, if he indeed remains at the club.
Atletico's other rivals Barcelona are also looking at what path to take for future success after what has been an underwhelming season for manager Ronald Koeman has his side. For too long, Barca have relied on club legend Lionel Messi, and the Argentine does not have the supporting cast he once enjoyed. The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Neymar and Suarez have all moved on, and Messi has been left to carry the squad.
From what can be seen in the squads at both Real and Barca, Atleti should fancy their chances of securing what would be a historic achievement, in earning back-to-back La Liga titles in the modern era. With fans arriving in droves at the Wanda Metropolitano and supporting their side from the marvelous stadium, Simeone's side might take some stopping next season.
Taking my son to his first football match was one of the best experiences I've had as a father so far. I've written this article for Alex to read when he gets older.
My daughter's first ever football match - Orlando City v Atlanta United, August 2019. Written for Izzy to read when she gets old enough. Vamos Orlando
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