With several questions still unanswered, Atletico Madrid enter the new season determined to close the gap at the top.
Atletico Madrid head into the 2026/27 season with a familiar manager, a reshaped squad and several major questions to answer. Diego Simeone’s side still possess enough quality to compete with the best in Spain, but the gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid remains difficult to ignore.
Atletico Madrid in 2025/26: A disappointing league campaign
The 2025/26 La Liga season ended with Atletico Madrid finishing fourth, their joint-worst position since Simeone’s first campaign in charge. That result was made more difficult to accept because the team showed considerable promise in the cup competitions, reaching the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals.
However, those runs ultimately brought no silverware. Los Rojiblancos have now gone five consecutive seasons without a trophy, and Simeone enters another campaign under pressure to turn competitive performances into meaningful success.
Their league campaign was particularly frustrating, as inconsistency prevented them from sustaining a serious title challenge. The objective for 2026/27 is therefore clear. Atletico must secure Champions League football once again, but they will also want to remain in the title race for much longer than they did last season.
Simeone remains the key figure
Simeone is entering his 16th season at the Metropolitano, and his importance to the club cannot be overstated. His Atletico Madrid teams have traditionally been built around organisation, discipline and intensity. Even when they have lacked the individual quality of their rivals, they have often compensated through their defensive structure and collective spirit.
The challenge now is to blend that identity with a group of more attack-minded players. Lee Kang-in, Ademola Lookman, and Alejandro Grimaldo offer creativity and technical quality, while Morten Hjulmand can provide the defensive protection that Simeone’s system requires.
Simeone has experimented with a 3-4-1-2 setup during pre-season, a possible change from last season’s 4-2-3-1. That shape could allow Lee to operate behind two forwards, while Lookman would have the freedom to drift towards the left. It could also give Atletico greater balance in possession without sacrificing their defensive foundations.
Smart business, but important departures
Atletico Madrid have made several strong additions. Cristian Romero has official arrived from Tottenham Hotspur, and he would be an ideal Simeone signing. The Argentine centre-back is aggressive, fearless in the tackle and comfortable defending in a demanding system. His arrival could restore some stability to a backline that has looked less reliable in recent seasons.
Hjulmand should strengthen the midfield with his energy and defensive awareness. Grimaldo brings experience, delivery and attacking quality from the left-back position, while Lee Kang-in can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger. His arrival also carries symbolic value, as he has inherited Antoine Griezmann’s No. 7 shirt.
The departures, however, are equally significant. Griezmann has left after becoming Atletico’s all-time leading scorer, while Nahuel Molina, Julio Diaz, and Thiago Almada have also moved on. Griezmann’s influence cannot be replaced by one player. Atletico will instead need a combined effort from their new signings and established forwards.
The Alvarez situation
The Julian Alvarez saga could define Atletico Madrid’s season before it has properly begun. Barcelona have shown serious interest in the Argentine, while Alvarez has a desire to leave. Atletico, though, have repeatedly made it clear that they do not want to negotiate.
That tension creates an uncomfortable situation. The Argentine striker has resumed training, but reports suggest that the relationship between the player and the club has become strained. Barcelona have even been reported to have set a deadline for resolving the matter.
Losing Alvarez after Griezmann would be a huge blow. The Argentine scored only eight La Liga goals last season, but he remains central to Simeone’s plans and possesses qualities that are difficult to find in the transfer market. If he joined Barcelona, Atletico would not only lose their main forward but potentially strengthen a direct rival.
Players to watch
Ademola Lookman made an immediate impact after arriving midway through last season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances. With a full pre-season behind him, the Nigerian could become one of Atletico’s biggest match-winners. His pace, movement and ability to play across the front line should make him especially valuable in a flexible attacking system.
Pablo Barrios also faces a crucial campaign. The 23-year-old featured in 35 matches last season and contributed four goals, but he is expected to take on greater responsibility this time. With Koke entering the final phase of his career, Atletico will hope Barrios can eventually become the midfielder who controls the tempo and leads the next generation.
Romero could have the greatest defensive influence. Atletico’s best years under Simeone were built on a dependable backline, and the Argentine has the personality and quality to become its new leader. His aggression must be controlled, but his presence could give the team a harder edge.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid have a talented squad and should be stronger than they were last season. They are likely to compete for a top-four finish and could make another deep run in the Champions League or Copa del Rey. However, Barcelona and Real Madrid still appear better equipped to handle the demands of a full league campaign.
Atletico may remain involved in the title race for longer this time, but their lack of depth could eventually prove costly. A third-place finish looks realistic, alongside another serious challenge for domestic or European silverware.
