Atletico Madrid failed to live up to the high expectations, in spite of the appointment of multiple Copa Libertadores-winning coach Carlos Bianchi.

The defensive triangle of goalkeeper Leo Franco and central defenders Luis Perea and Pablo Ibáñez, all of which played a huge part in Atlético conceding only 31 goals.

The defensive tactics left high-profile striker Fernando Torres alone up front, and despite having Maxi Rodríguez in support, the duo were the only players able to function offensively for the club, which responded with a €23 million signing of 18-year-old wonnderkid Sergio Agüero from Independiente.

However they would then sustain their worst form of the season with 0 wins in 10 games, including losses against Celta Vigo, CA Osasuna and Real Betis, and their poor attack being exposed for all to see.

Things improved significantly at the beginning of the second half of the season, going on a 5-game winning streak and impressively doing the double over Barcelona.