Part 3/7:
The recent eliminations point to cracks in Atletico's armor, showcasing a pattern of near-misses. A heartbreakingly close Champions League exit to Real Madrid—where fine margins of luck and skill decided the match—adds to the narrative of an underperforming squad. Simeone's post-match commentary reflected a strange sense of pride amid disappointment, emphasizing how they made their opponents "suffer," but the reality is cold: losing repeatedly weighs heavily on the team's morale.
The psychological effects of these losses can't be underestimated, and the shadow of a stagnant season looms large. Atletico must find a way to salvage this campaign, perhaps aiming for a Copa del Rey trophy to provide a silver lining in what has been a precarious season.