Brutal schedule for Atlético: five matches against Barça or Real in the next nine games

Because Atlético Madrid is enjoying a strong season, they remain competitive on all possible fronts, fighting for silverware in every major competition.

Diego Simeone’s squad is still a serious contender in La Liga, having maintained a presence at the top end of the table. They have also reached the Copa del Rey semifinals, keeping alive their hopes of domestic cup success. Additionally, Atlético is still in the Champions League, meaning they must balance intense fixtures across multiple competitions. However, this remarkable run of form has led to a punishing fixture schedule that could define their season.

Between February 22 and April 2, Atlético Madrid will face Barcelona three times, with two meetings in the Copa del Rey semifinals and one crucial La Liga encounter that could influence their title challenge. These games alone would present a major challenge for any team, but Atlético’s situation has been further complicated by the Champions League draw, which has pitted them against their fierce city rivals, Real Madrid, in a high-stakes two-legged European tie. This means that in just over a month, Los Rojiblancos will have to navigate five matches against Spain’s two dominant forces, Barcelona and Real Madrid, in what could be a season-defining period.

As if that weren’t enough, Atlético must also contend with other tricky domestic fixtures that could further test their squad’s depth and resilience. In between their high-profile clashes with Barça and Madrid, Atlético will play another Madrid derby, this time against Getafe. While Getafe may not have the same star power as their city rivals, they are renowned for their physical and relentless style of play, often making them a nightmare opponent for any team. Facing Getafe in the midst of such a brutal run of games will only add to Atlético’s workload.

Adding to their difficulties, Athletic Bilbao, another direct rival for European places and one of La Liga’s most physically imposing teams, is also on Atlético’s schedule during this stretch. Athletic have been one of the most consistent teams in Spain this season, and their clash with Atlético could have major implications for both sides in the race for Champions League qualification. With every match carrying enormous significance, Simeone will have to rotate his squad carefully to ensure that fatigue does not derail their ambitions.

This relentless sequence of games will not only test Atlético’s tactical adaptability but also their squad depth, physical endurance, and mental toughness. With Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata in top form, Atlético will rely heavily on their attacking duo to deliver crucial goals. However, Simeone will also need strong performances from his midfield enforcers, such as Koke and Rodrigo De Paul, to maintain control in these high-pressure encounters. Defensively, José María Giménez and Mario Hermoso will have to be at their best to contain the attacking threats posed by Barcelona and Real Madrid, while goalkeeper Jan Oblak will undoubtedly be called upon to make crucial saves in this demanding run of fixtures.

For Atlético, this upcoming stretch is a defining moment in their season. A strong run of results could propel them towards a La Liga title challenge, a place in the Copa del Rey final, and progression in the Champions League. On the other hand, any slip-ups could see them fall behind in all three competitions, leaving them with disappointment rather than glory. The next few weeks will reveal whether Simeone’s men can rise to the challenge or whether this grueling fixture list will prove too much for them.