FazAtletico Madrid's strike force makes them real dark horse
December 22nd 2008 23:26
All the talk may be on Barcelona's terrific form in La Liga and Champions League competition, but Atletico Madrid have shown the skill and flair to be considered the dark horse for both these tournaments when the season resumes next year.
For the first time in many moons, Atletico consistently find themselves in the top half of the Spanish Primera Liga, finishing fourth last season, while they currently occupy second position on the table heading into 2009.
Ever since the departure of talisman Fernando Torres to Liverpool, many thought Atletico would struggle in his absence to score goals on a regular basis.
But as soon as Torres left the club, a little Argentine by the man of Sergio Aguero comes to the fore and takes charge of an Atletico side that is now reaping enormous dividends due to his performances.
Aguero really has transformed into one of Europe's most lethal strikers, developing a devastating partnership with fellow forward Diego Forlan, which has now became one of the most influential strike forces in La Liga.
On their way to securing a Champions League birth last season, Aguero and Forlan were at the forefront of Atletico's success, scoring over 30 goals between them to lay the foundations for the club to finish in the top four for the first time in many years.
Aguero in particular was outstanding, finishing with 20 goals last season to eventually just fall short of receiving the Trofeo Alfredo Di Stefano for the best player in the league.
Indeed Aguero and Forlan's partnership with each other is still reaping dividends for the club heading into the winter break.
Atletico have the second best attack in La Liga at the moment scoring 38 goals. The Aguero (9) - Forlan (10) connection has been responsible for 19 of those clinical strikes.
It is once again the deadliest strike force in La Liga at the moment, considering the other partnership between Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi involves a forward and a midfielder.
With the winter break to look forward to, Atletico can be optimistic that their strike power can deliver them some silverware next season.
They qualified second in a tough Champions League group headed by Liverpool, PSV and Marseille.
Having secured a knock out birth, Atletico now must face Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto for a place in the quarterfinals.
With one of Europe's most consistent strike forces on their side, one feels Atletico will have the upper hand when the two teams meet in the premier club competition on the planet.
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