beIN SPORTS

By Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89)

Yet another incredible display against the strongest attacking force in the competition must finally make Atletico universally accepted as one of the world’s elite rather than just an overperforming underdog. Saul’s early wonder-goal followed by a typically unrelenting display against Bayern Munich leaves Diego Simeone’s team 90 minutes away from a second Champions League final in three years.

Los Colchoneros are the true mavericks of elite level football – regardless of how much their reputation grows and the quality of their squad increases, they insist on the same, modest, seemingly basic way of playing the game. That fight, passion and hunger along with efficiency in attack was in full display on Wednesday against the side who were favorites to win the competition, before they faced Atletico.

Saul’s Messi-esque run followed by a neat finish saw Atletico lead early on, and just as they did against FC Barcelona at home in the last round, they defended it for their lives. Rather than seeking to evolve into a ball-playing side that dominates possession and aims to hit two or three past each side they face, instead they stick religiously to the laurels that Simeone has embedded into the side since they were lingering in mid-table of La Liga in 2011.

Bayern controlled the ball, and locked the home side into their own third for the majority of the game, yet Atletico never looked uncomfortable. Before Wednesday night, Bayern had failed to score in just two of their previous 30 matches in all competitions. They met their match, however, as it was Atletico’s 33rd clean sheet of the campaign from 52 games.

The perception that a team must have 70 per cent possession to be a top team is flawed by the consistency of the Madrid based club. To claim that Atletico cannot be regarded as such due to the way they play is merely an aesthetical position, or an excuse to down play their merits. They do not simply defend and battle because they are incapable on the ball, they play like this because they know it is the most effective way for them.

The only surprise these days is that many are still surprised each time they manage to pull off a win against one of the big clubs, even after five years of battling at the very top of both domestic and European competition. The fact that midfielder Augusto Fernandez was probably the best player on the pitch tells you all you need to know about why the Atletico machine works so effortlessly. The Argentine was only signed in January and, at 30 years old, had never played at the top level of European level.

Yet such is the Simeone melting pot that whatever you put into this team, it molds into a perfect component. Fernandez put in a blinding midfield display, eclipsing the likes of Arturo Vidal and Xabi Alonso who have starred in the competition over the years. There are at least another 90 minutes ahead and if there is any side capable of blitzing an opponent on their own turf it is Bayern.

Most will still maintain that the Bavarians remain favorites, but anyone watching on Wednesday could understandably feel differently.