New-Look Atletico Hitting Stride After Rocky Start

A Season of Change

Atletico Madrid has undergone a significant transformation this season, with a host of new faces joining the squad and several key players departing. Diego Simeone's side has had a mixed start to the campaign, but they will be hoping to find their feet when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Summer Overhaul

Atletico made a number of high-profile signings during the summer transfer window, including Matheus Cunha, Rodrigo De Paul, and Antoine Griezmann. They also brought in a number of younger players, such as Reinildo Mandava and Geoffrey Kondogbia, in an attempt to refresh the squad.

However, the club also lost a number of key players, including Kieran Trippier, Saul Niguez, and Lucas Torreira. This has left Simeone with a somewhat unbalanced squad, and it has taken some time for the new players to gel.

Mixed Start

Atletico have won four of their first nine La Liga matches this season, but they have also suffered three defeats. They have been particularly poor in away matches, losing to Granada and Alaves.

However, there have been some positive signs in recent weeks. Atletico beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano, and they also drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Champions League.

Upcoming Bilbao Clash

Atletico will be hoping to build on those positive results when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Basque side are always a tough opponent, but Atletico will be confident of getting a result if they can play to their strengths.

Simeone is likely to field a strong team for the match, with Griezmann, Joao Felix, and Luis Suarez all expected to start. Atletico will need to be at their best to beat Bilbao, but they will be confident of getting a result if they can play to their strengths.