Diego Simeone cut a figure of palpable relief, not unbridled joy, after his Atletico Madrid side eked out a crucial 1-0 victory against a stubborn Las Palmas. The win, secured by a first-half Axel Witsel strike, was a classic, gritty Cholismo performance that papered over some significant cracks.
The Argentine manager confessed to feeling a sense of 'liberation' after the final whistle, a telling admission of the immense pressure building after a stuttering start to the season. "When you don't win, you have a feeling of... bitterness, of anger, of frustration," Simeone revealed, highlighting the mental toll of dropped points.
A Win That Raises More Questions Than Answers
While the three points were non-negotiable, the manner of the performance did little to silence the growing chorus of doubters. Atletico's play was often laboured, lacking the fluidity and attacking verve displayed by their title rivals. The fundamental question remains: can this team, built in Simeone's relentless, pragmatic image, truly evolve?
The manager himself seemed to acknowledge this internal conflict. He spoke of the constant tension between the established, successful identity of defensive solidity and the demand for a more expansive, modern style of play. This victory was a retreat to what is known and proven, a safety blanket in a league that is increasingly demanding more.
Las Palmas Expose Lingering Vulnerabilities
The Canary Islanders, under the shrewd management of Francisco García Pimienta, were far from mere bystanders. They exploited the space behind Atletico's advanced wing-backs and created several clear-cut chances, only to be thwarted by the excellent Jan Oblak.
This defensive vulnerability has been a recurring theme for Atletico, a far cry from the impregnable unit they were once famed for being. The clean sheet will please Simeone, but the chances conceded will give him sleepless nights.
The Road Ahead: Evolution or Stagnation?
The win temporarily lifts the gloom around the Metropolitano, but it feels like a sticking plaster solution. For Atletico to genuinely compete with the sheer firepower of Real Madrid and Girona, a more profound evolution may be necessary.
Simeone’s challenge is to find a way to integrate a more progressive style without sacrificing the competitive heart that has defined his era. The victory over Las Palmas was a reminder of his team's spirit, but the coming weeks will prove if it was a foundation for growth or merely a brief respite.
