Barcelona: Following Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first Madrid derby of the 2026/27 season, Diego Simeone delivered a striking verdict on ’s start to the La Liga campaign.
Hansi Flick’s team have won all seven matches, collected 21 points and scored 31 goals. Simeone’s comments matter because are not merely leading the early table. Their attacking numbers have made them the standard against which Spain’s strongest teams are now being measured.
Why did Diego Simeone say are playing a different sport?
Simeone was asked about after Atlético’s derby victory, and his answer went beyond routine praise. He described Flick’s side as ope
“It looks like is playing a different sport from the one we’re playing,” Simeone said, according to ESPN.
Simeone’s assessment reflects the gap created by ’s perfect seven-match record and 31-goal total. The Atlético manager has faced elite opposition throughout his career, so his choice of words underlines how unusual ’s opening has been. The original report was first published by Barcauniversal, which detailed Simeone’s reaction and ’s attacking figures.
How strong has ’s start to La Liga been?
have taken maximum points from their first seven league fixtures, giving them 21 points from a possible 21. Their 31 goals represent the best seven-game opening in the club’s history. Only Sevilla’s 40 goals in the opening seven matches of the 1940/41 La Liga campaign stand above ’s current total.
That comparison places Flick’s team inside a very small historical group, even before the season reaches its deeper stages. The attacking output has also shaped the title-race conversation. A perfect record gives early control, while the goal tally suggests that their advantage is not being built through narrow victories alone. TechnoSports Media Group’s wider football coverage has also tracked the international game, including the Sony Pays ₹4 Crore broadcast development for Indian viewers.
What role has Raphinha played in ’s attacking surge?
Raphinha has become central to ’s attacking structure under Flick. Simeone referred to the team’s earlier lack of a traditional number 9 before highlighting the Brazilian’s goalscoring impact. >“They didn’t have a number 9 striker, then Raphinha showed up and scored 12 goals,” Simeone said.
Raphinha’s movement into central areas has given a flexible attacking option rather than a fixed winger profile. His contribution was especially visible in Seville, where he scored three times and helped take ’s league tally to 31. That central role can change how opponents defend . Centre-backs must track Raphinha closer to goal, while wide players can create space from outside channels. Flick therefore has a forward who can stretch the pitch and finish attacks.
What does Simeone’s praise mean for Atlético Madrid?
Atlético remain part of the early elite conversation after beating Real Madrid 2-1, but Simeone’s remarks show that have already created a different challenge. Atlético’s result strengthened their local standing, yet ’s seven wins and 31 goals remain the defining benchmark.
The contrast is tactical as well as statistical: Atlético’s derby victory demonstrated competitive resilience, while ’s start has been defined by sustained attacking volume. Simeone will now need his team to manage ’s central movement and prevent Raphinha from receiving close to the penalty area. India’s football audience can also follow the broader national-team calendar through AIFF to Spend Nearly, while ’s form keeps the European club season at the centre of global attention.
Can maintain this level across the season?
’s next challenge is sustaining the attack once opponents adjust their defensive plans. Seven wins provide an ideal platform, but the season will test whether the team can continue scoring at this rate when fixtures become more demanding.
Flick’s immediate task is to preserve the attacking freedom that has produced 31 goals without allowing opponents to isolate ’s central attackers. Raphinha’s positioning will remain an important part of that balance, particularly when teams defend with a compact back line. Simeone’s comments have increased the spotlight on , but the strongest response will come through their next league performances. The early title-race message is clear: have started with authority, and every challenger must now find a way to slow them.
have earned Simeone’s extraordinary praise; the next test is proving that this attacking level can survive the full La Liga campaign.
FAQs
What did Diego Simeone say about ?
Diego Simeone said looked as though they were playing a different sport from the teams around them after Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1.
How many points does have?
have 21 points after winning each of their opening seven La Liga matches.
How many goals have scored?
have scored 31 goals in their first seven league fixtures of the 2026/27 season.
Why is Raphinha important to ?
Raphinha has operated in a central attacking role under Hansi Flick and scored three goals in Seville, taking ’s league total to 31. Source: Barcauniversal
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