Atlético Madrid have had a disappointing start to their 2025/26 season, failing to win either of their first two LaLiga matches. After a 2–1 opening-day loss to Espanyol, they were held to a 1–1 draw at home by newly promoted Elche, leaving them winless and languishing in 13th place in the league standings.
Acknowledging Supporters’ Frustration
Recognizing the mood among Atlético’s fans, manager Diego Simeone didn’t shy away from addressing their dissatisfaction. “They’re right. We’re in the same situation as them,” he told reporters candidly. Despite this, Simeone stressed that the players have been giving everything on the pitch, and emphasized that the team remains on the right path.
Path Forward: Calm, Patience, and Hard Work
Simeone expressed confidence that with “calm, patience, and hard work,” results will eventually follow. He reaffirmed his belief in the squad’s quality but acknowledged that the team needs to continue improving without straying from their current approach.
Match Highlights & Missed Opportunities
Against Elche at the Metropolitano, Atlético took the lead through Alexander Sørloth. However, Rafa Mir quickly equalized for the visitors. Despite dominating the match—registering more than twice as many shots as Elche—Atlético were repeatedly denied, notably by Matías Dituro, Elche’s standout goalkeeper.
Broader Perspective: Legacy vs. Expectation
A deeper look at the context reveals additional tension surrounding Simeone’s reign. As per earlier coverage, despite significant investment of over €350 million in the past two seasons, Atlético have entered a prolonged trophy drought—having not lifted any major silverware in four years. Simeone’s historically disciplined style now faces scrutiny amid a perceived disconnect between expectations and results.
Summary Table
| Theme | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Start of Season | Loss at Espanyol (2–1), draw with Elche (1–1); winless, 13th place. |
| Stepping Up | Sørloth gave Atlético early lead, but Elche’s Mir equalized; several missed chances despite dominance. |
| Simeone’s View | Acknowledges fan anger as “justified”; calls for calm, patience, and persistence. |
| Longer Context | High investment but no trophies in recent seasons; pressure mounting on Simeone’s approach and legacy. |
In essence, Atlético fans’ frustration is not only understandable—it’s acknowledged and validated by Simeone himself. The coach remains committed to the club’s methods and believes that continued effort and composure will eventually yield the desired outcomes. Whether this faith will be rewarded remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the manager is not shying away from accountability as the season progresses.
