\n<\/p>\n
An unprecedented international break is approached differently after winning a derby.<\/strong> Not so long ago, clashes with Real Madrid were a nightmare for Atl\u00e9tico. That story, which changed with Simeone\u2019s arrival on the bench<\/strong>, is very different today. There is no longer any fear of the Whites\u2014quite the opposite. They look them in the eye, go toe to toe with them, and beat them.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yesterday was further proof of what Atl\u00e9tico are at the Metropolitano<\/a>. A solid team, with options and a fortress that suits them perfectly.<\/strong> A winning formula that allows fans to dream, fans who give everything from start to finish. And they have seen a complicated start to the season produce, so far, good feelings and even better results.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set aside are the draw against Villarreal, shaped by being a man down, the lapse at San Mam\u00e9s, and the defeat at Anfield despite a good performance. The season has only just begun and with a team still under construction, as Simeone argues, Atl\u00e9tico are second in LaLiga<\/a> with 16 points out of a possible 21.<\/strong> Above them there is only an FC Barcelona side that right now is untouchable and seems unreachable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Beyond the purely statistical side, the signs this Atl\u00e9tico side is showing invite optimism.<\/strong> Because after a season in which Simeone\u2019s men broke into Europe\u2019s top four and came close to the Copa del Rey, the reinforcements brought in to build on that foundation are working.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cCuti\u201d Romero<\/strong> is the defensive leader Cholo had been craving. Kang-in Lee<\/strong> is a gifted player who has hit the ground running after the departure of a world-class star like Griezmann. Grimaldo<\/strong> is finding his place and showing his attacking ability. Hjulmand<\/strong> has managed to raise the level of competition in a midfield where a place in the starting XI is hard-earned. And Jonathan David<\/strong> seems to score in every game he plays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In short, the new pieces added to the puzzle fit<\/strong> into a squad that is still not complete. Juli\u00e1n<\/strong>, who was met with both whistles and applause, has to get back to being his usual self; Barrios<\/strong>, the cornerstone who gives Atl\u00e9tico\u2019s play its meaning, has to put his injury nightmare behind him; and Sorloth<\/strong>, another important attacking option, has to complete his recovery process and get back under Simeone\u2019s orders. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to head into the break with a huge smile on your face.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n