Atletico Madrid’s winning streak fuelled by newcomers

Atletico Madrid's winning run is down to a successful adjustment by their summer signings, says Diego Simeone.

Real Valladolid were no match for in-form Atleti on Saturday as Simeone's side won 5-0 to cruise to a seventh straight win in all competitions.

The club spent a lot of money on strengthening the squad last summer and three of those signings – Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth – were on target against Valladolid.

Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul also scored as Atleti moved, at least temporarily, to second place in LaLiga.

“All teams need time. A month and a half ago, two months ago we were talking about the new boys who had to adapt to the team and how Atletico Madrid plays because they all played differently in their (former) teams,” Simeone told reporters . .

“The growth of Lenglet, [Conor] Gallagher, Julian, Sorloth and the hope of recovery [the injured] Robin Le Normand quickly gives us a good feeling.

“We lost a very bad match [Real] Betis, where we were not recognisable. And I think that was the breakthrough of what's happened since. We can win, lose or draw, but we have to be recognizable.”

4+ – Atlético de Madrid has scored more than 4 goals in two consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since May 2023 (two). Away from home, the last time the red and white team scored more than four goals in consecutive matches was in February 2018.

Deadly. pic.twitter.com/eYs2OdLVPF

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Atleti had just thirteen shots against Valladolid, but had nine on target and scored a whopping 4.0 expected goals. That means each of their shots averaged an xG value of 0.3.

Simeone will hope Atleti can carry the momentum into the Copa del Rey, with Cacereno next in the second round on Thursday.

“Defensively we are doing well, which gives us an advantage, and offensively we also have a position that gives us attacking options, speed, inside play, aerial play, counter-attacks, and we have to keep going,” he said.

“The competition is very long and we are looking forward to the cup match, which will be tough like all the other matches. We have to maintain the humility and dedication that the boys show.”