Atlético de Madrid finished the first half of LaLiga at the top of the table, with Alexander Sorloth leading as the team’s top scorer with eight goals. The "Colchoneros" achieved 10 clean sheets out of 19 matches and claimed their 11th "winter champion" title in history. 

Can Atlético Madrid Secure Another Title?

Being the winter champion is no guarantee for Atlético de Madrid, as history shows. The team secured league titles when leading at the halfway mark during the 1950-51, 1965-66, 1969-70, 1995-96 —when Diego Simeone was a midfielder and Radomir Antic the head coach— and 2020-21 seasons. However, they fell short in 1941-42, 1946-47, 1967-68, 1975-76, and 1980-81.

This season, the team has amassed 44 points, with 13 victories, including key wins such as 3-0 against Girona, 1-2 against Barcelona, and 1-0 versus Osasuna. They’ve drawn five matches, including 1-1 ties with both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, and have suffered only one defeat: 1-0 against Betis.

Offensively, Atlético de Madrid has scored 34 goals. Alexander Sorloth, despite not being a regular starter, leads the team with eight goals, followed by Antoine Griezmann with seven and Julián Álvarez with six. Rodrigo de Paul has contributed three goals, while Marcos Llorente, Conor Gallagher, and Ángel Correa have each scored twice.

Norwegian striker Sorloth has been particularly impactful off the bench, scoring five of his goals as a substitute. Julián Álvarez and Ángel Correa have each scored two as substitutes. In assists, Griezmann leads with four, ahead of Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo de Paul, who have three each.

Defensive Strength and Player Consistency

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been instrumental, featuring in 18 of 19 matches and keeping 10 clean sheets. Juan Musso, who replaced the Slovenian in the match against Athletic Club, also delivered a clean sheet in his sole appearance. Overall, the team has conceded just 12 goals, highlighting its defensive solidity.

Two players, Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, have featured in every league game this season, though neither has started all matches. Oblak leads in starting appearances with 18.

A Historic First Half Under Simeone

This is the third-best first half for Atlético de Madrid under Diego Simeone, with 44 points, equaling the records of the 2015-16 and 2012-13 seasons. Only the 50 points of 2013-14 and 48 of 2020-21 surpass this achievement, both seasons in which the team claimed the league title.

Atlético’s First-Half Performances Under Simeone:

• 2024-25: 44 points (1st), 13 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss, 34 goals scored, 12 conceded.
• 2020-21: 48 points (1st), 15 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, 36 goals scored, 9 conceded.
• 2013-14: 50 points (2nd), 16 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, 47 goals scored, 11 conceded.

With a strong first half of the season, Atlético de Madrid looks poised for success. While the road ahead is long, their consistency and current form position them as strong contenders for the league title.