5 things to look forward to in 2014

Can Atletico Madrid break the duopoly at the top of La Liga?

How far can Simeone lead Atletico?

Joint-top of La Liga going into 2014, five points in front of their cross-town rivals, with the meanest defense in the League and the leading goal scorer in Europe leading the attack, 2013 has certainly ended according to plan for Atletico Madrid. Having finally rid themselves of the “mental block” win a win over Real Madrid, they are looking like they have what it takes to finally break the duopoly at the top of La Liga. Koke has come of age, this season, with 8 assists far, only Rooney and Fabregas have managed more. Simeone’s side are in every possible way a mirror image of himself, but the big question will now be, how far can they go?

They are in the knock-out stages of the Champions League and have thus far looked like Spain’s second-best side in Europe behind Real Madrid. But, how far can they go in Europe? Will their high-pressure style of play affect them as the games come thick and fast, towards the latter end of the tournament? Will going far in Europe compromise their League position? If so, which would they prefer to win? These are all questions that need answering as Atletico look ahead to a bright 2014 ahead of them.