Atlético Madrid - Champions of Europe?

Now regular readers may think that La Liga Loca has been at the Tuesday turps again. Or has, rojiblanco club president, Enrique Cerezo threatening to strap the blog down in front of a movie he has produced.

Nevertheless, it has a genuine, sneaky feeling that Atlético Madrid are going to do very, very well in this seasonâÂÂs Champions League. WeâÂÂre talking semi-final well.*

Now this bold declaration of faith flies in the footballing face of just about every sleight, slur and insult hurled at the Calderón club by the blog over the past couple of years in regards to AtléticoâÂÂs less than admirable antics.

But that was all aimed at the league version of the club - the half-arsed, canâÂÂt be bothered to defend for 90 minutes, bottling part. And it was for its own good.

This seasonâÂÂs super-duper Champions League version has been a very different beast, indeed - cool, calm, collected and a Steven Gerrard dive from topping their group.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1