After another outstandingly impressive performance at the weekend, it's time to make sure that everyone is fully aware as to how ridiculously good the other football giant in Madrid has been.
Atletico are absolutely smashing it so far this season, and currently sit atop La Liga Santander after eight games. Largely because their defence has allowed only three goals so far. That's not to say they are misfiring, far from it, Atleti are getting goals from all over the pitch, and new signings have slotted in seamlessly.
On Saturday they defeated relegation-threatened Grenada, 7-1. After going a goal behind to a world class strike from nowhere, they proved their class and carved their opponent apart with relentless pressure and pace. The way they play against teams where they know they will have the majority of the ball is exciting, but they can dig in and get results when needed too.
Diego Simeone has crafted a squad capable of overwhelming teams that try to park the bus against them, while also being able to play a patient game when it is their backs that are up against the wall.
This has been the case for a number of seasons now, but this Atletico team look like the finished product with interchangeable parts that can come in and not only do the job, but stand out.
In terms of star talent, all the boxes are ticked. Young stars already considered among the best talents in Europe such as Antoine Griezmann, Saul Niguez, Koke, Angel Correa, Jose Gimenez, Yannick Carrasco and Jan Oblak are complemented by the likes of Diego Godin, Gabi, and Thiago in a beautiful blend of experience and youthful exuberance. What you really noticed when watching this Atleti side are how remarkably balanced the team is.
Add to that the new signings such as Kevin Gameiro and Nico Gaitan, who have hit the ground running since arriving in Madrid, and you've got the recipe for a very successful side.
Despite constantly having their star names linked with a move away, you get the feeling that all of these players love playing for Simeone. You can take or leave his intense sideline presence, but it's very clear that he is a magnificent man manager by the performances he gets out of his players week in, week out.
This side is capable of maintaining their early season form for the entire season. La Liga Santander will be a three-horse race, and it would be difficult to see a situation where the 'other' team in Madrid don't take their seemingly annual place in the final four of the Champions League, where they will be hoping to again return to the final, but this time go one better.
Atletico Madrid are one of the best run football clubs in all of Europe, and on current form are the best team around.
