Atlético Madrid is facing a decisive stretch in the season, competing on three fronts: LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. 

A Calendar Packed with Clásicos

In the next 40 days, Atlético Madrid will face Barcelona three times and Real Madrid twice, with the chance to knock them out of the Copa del Rey and Champions League, respectively. The first big test comes on February 25, when Atlético visits Montjuïc for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. A week later, they will host Barcelona at the Metropolitano for the return leg, with a spot in the final at stake.

But before that, the European challenge is even greater. On March 4, Atlético Madrid will visit the Santiago Bernabéu for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, aiming to gain an advantage over Real Madrid. The decisive return leg, scheduled for March 12 at the Metropolitano, could be the perfect opportunity to eliminate their city rivals and take revenge for the lost finals in 2014 and 2016.

Simeone’s Key to Success: One Match at a Time

The Argentine coach knows that such a demanding schedule requires absolute focus. “The key is to concentrate on the next match without thinking about what comes after,” he has often said. And for good reason—besides the clashes against Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atlético will also face tough opponents like Valencia, Athletic Club, and Getafe, all of whom are fighting for their own goals in LaLiga.

This phase of the season will test Atlético Madrid’s endurance. If they manage to overcome these challenges, they won’t just be contenders in all three competitions but could also eliminate their biggest historical rivals along the way. A monumental challenge that will make every match a crucial battle in the club’s history.