Atletico title win a fitting tribute to Aragones

Atletico Madrid secured an incredible Spanish league title on Saturday after holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

It has been a remarkable season for Diego Simeone's side, who also face rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24.

But the new league champions have also endured heartache this season, after Luis Aragones - the club's all-time top goalscorer and former head coach - died in February aged 75.

Simeone was quick to acknowledge Aragones after the game.

"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti," Simeone said afterwards. "To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.

"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."

Sunday, 18 May 2014 12:30

                                                            Tweet Follow @omomani

Man City coast as La Liga title scuffle continues

While Manchester City were celebrating their second Premier League title in three years having cruised to a 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of the season, the scramble for the Spanish championship continued.

Atletico Madrid, who lead La Liga by three points, were held at home by Malaga but Barcelona were unable to capitalise as they slipped to a goalless draw at Elche.

Diego Simeone's side now face a trip to Barcelona next Saturday in a match which will decide the title.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are now out of the running following their 2-0 defeat at Celta.

Monday, 12 May 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Liga leaders slip up in title race

La Liga fans must be wondering if anyone wants to win the title this season as all three sides fighting at the top of the table slipped up in an astonishing weekend of Spanish football.

Barcelona were the first side to drop points, drawing 2-2 at home to Getafe on Saturday, before Atletico Madrid appeared to relinquish their grip on top spot with a 2-0 defeat away to Levante.

Then, on Sunday night, Real Madrid failed to take advantage of their rivals' failings as they twice fell behind to Valencia, with a magical back-heel volley from Cristaino Ronaldo needed to salvage their title hopes in stoppage time.

The title is still in Ateltico's hands, but Barcelona and Madrid will be ready to pounce if Diego Simeone's men slip up on any more banana skins.

Monday, May 5, 2014 09:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Chelsea's season threatens to go down the toilet

Having been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions and eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, Chelsea's only hope for silverware this season is to win the Premier League.

The Blues, though, are third favourites for the title behind Liverpool and Manchester City, and Jose Mourinho has dismissed his side's chances of overcoming the odds to win the league.

Chelsea's woes were summed up by David Luiz, who said a trophyless campaign for the west Londoners would be considered "a s*** season", and even victory in all their remaining games may not be enough to save their aspirations from going down the toilet.

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Diego Costa the toast of Madrid after derby upset

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco, David Villa and Arda Turan were all on show in the first Madrid derby of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But it is Diego Costa who is the toast of the city after his goal saw Atletico upset their big spending rivals on Saturday night.

Costa broke free and stroked the ball past Diego Lopez after just 11 minutes at the Bernabeu to score his eighth goal of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Bale for his home debut at half time, but the former Tottenham man could not change the game as Atletico maintained their perfect start in La Liga.

Sunday, September 29, 2013 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Atletico & Simeone offer Torres a Chelsea escape

 

For one reason or another, it just hasn't worked for Fernando Torres at Chelsea.

But the Spaniard could still be salvaged after Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone hinted that the striker could make a return to Spain.

"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero.

"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.

"We were team-mates [from 2003 until 2005]. I know how important he can be." 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Atletico losing grip on Europa League crown

 

Current Europa League champions Atletico Madrid are in danger of heading out of the competiton following a 2-0 defeat at home by Rubin Kazan.

Diego Simeone's side fell behind after just six minutes following Gokdeniz Kardeniz's strike, and while the Russian club had Roman Sharonov sent off on the stroke of half time, the visitors were able to secure a second away goal through Pablo Orbaiz's 90th-minute effort. 

Tweet Follow @omomani