Atlético Madrid has not won a major trophy since the 2020-21 La Liga season, marking five full campaigns without silverware as the 2024-25 season approaches. The last time Diego Simeone’s side lifted a trophy was May 2021, when they clinched the league title on the final day with a 2-1 victory over Valladolid at the Wanda Metropolitano. Since then, the club has endured a frustrating stretch marked by near-misses, tactical stagnation and evolving challenges in both domestic and European competitions.
The drought began in earnest after the 2020-21 triumph. In 2021-22, Atlético finished third in La Liga behind champions Real Madrid and runners-up Barcelona, accumulating 78 points — 13 behind the leaders. They were eliminated in the Copa del Rey round of 16 by Bilbao Athletic, lost in the Supercopa de España semifinals to Barcelona, and bowed out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarterfinals to Manchester City, losing 1-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw at home and a 1-0 defeat at the Etihad.
The following season, 2022-23, brought similar disappointment. Atlético again finished third in La Liga with 76 points, 10 behind champions Barcelona. They exited the Copa del Rey in the round of 32 to third-tier side Unión Deportiva Logroñés, a shocking upset that raised questions about squad depth and focus. In the Supercopa, they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the semifinals. Their Champions League campaign ended in the group stage for the first time since 2016-17, finishing third behind Porto and Brugge and dropping into the Europa League, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Benfica.
In 2023-24, Atlético showed signs of revival but ultimately fell short. They finished second in La Liga with 76 points — just two behind champions Real Madrid — marking their best league finish since the title win. Still, cup success remained elusive. They were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the round of 16 by Barcelona, lost 5-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the Supercopa semifinals (after winning the first leg 1-0), and exited the Champions League in the round of 16 to Inter Milan, losing 2-1 on aggregate despite a 1-0 home win in the first leg.
As of early November 2024, Atlético Madrid sit third in La Liga after 12 matches, with 22 points — four behind leaders Barcelona and two behind second-placed Real Madrid. They have scored 20 goals and conceded 10, boasting the joint-best defensive record in the league alongside Barcelona. Antoine Griezmann leads the team in scoring with six goals, while new signing Alexander Sørloth has adapted quickly, contributing four goals and two assists. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak continues to be a cornerstone, recording five clean sheets so far this season.
The absence of silverware has intensified scrutiny on head coach Diego Simeone, now in his 12th season at the club. While his legacy as Atlético’s most successful manager is secure — overseeing two Europa League titles, two Super Cup wins, two Copa del Rey trophies, and the 2020-21 La Liga crown — questions persist about his ability to evolve tactically in an era dominated by high-pressing, possession-based football. Critics point to the team’s reliance on transitional play and low-block defending, which has struggled against sides that dominate midfield and impose sustained pressure.
Injury challenges have also compounded Atlético’s struggles. Key midfielder Rodrigo De Paul missed significant time in 2022-23 due to a thigh injury, while defender José María Giménez has battled recurring muscular issues. Forward Álvaro Morata, who returned to the club in 2022 after a stint at Juventus, has struggled for consistency, scoring just 15 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions since his return. The departure of João Félix to Barcelona on loan in 2023-24 — and his subsequent permanent move — removed a creative spark that Simeone has yet to fully replace.
Financially, Atlético has operated under strict UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations, limiting their ability to compete with the spending power of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their net spend over the last five seasons is approximately €120 million, significantly less than their rivals, according to Deloitte’s Football Money League reports. This has necessitated a focus on player development and shrewd acquisitions, such as the signing of teenage midfielder Pablo Barrios from their academy and the opportunistic capture of Sørloth from Villarreal.
Despite the trophy drought, Atlético remains one of Europe’s most tricky teams to break down. Under Simeone, they have conceded fewer than 0.9 goals per game in La Liga over the last five seasons — the best defensive record in the league during that span. Their ability to grind out results, particularly at the Wanda Metropolitano, continues to frustrate opponents. In 2023-24, they went 15 home matches unbeaten in all competitions before losing to Inter in the Champions League.
Looking ahead, Atlético’s immediate focus is on closing the gap in La Liga and making a deeper run in the Copa del Rey. Their next match is a La Liga fixture against Villarreal on November 10, 2024, at the Estadio de la Cerámica, kickoff at 4:00 p.m. CET (3:00 p.m. UTC). A win would keep them within striking distance of the top two and restore momentum after a 1-1 draw with Las Palmas in their most recent outing.
The club’s hierarchy, led by president Enrique Cerezo, has publicly backed Simeone, emphasizing long-term stability over short-term fixes. In a September 2024 interview with Marca, Cerezo stated, “Diego is not just our coach; he is the embodiment of our identity. We believe in his vision, and we know that success, when it comes, will be worth the wait.”
For fans, the wait has tested patience. Social media platforms have seen growing calls for tactical evolution, with hashtags like #SimeoneOut trending after particularly dull performances. Yet, many supporters acknowledge the structural constraints the club operates under and appreciate the consistency Simeone has brought over a decade-plus tenure.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, Atlético Madrid faces a defining question: Can they adapt their proven formula to modern demands and end the trophy drought — or will five years without silverware become six, then seven?
The next confirmed checkpoint for Atlético Madrid is their La Liga match against Villarreal on November 10, 2024. Share your thoughts on whether Simeone can finally break the curse — join the conversation in the comments below.
