Last season's beaten finalists produced another impressive performance against the German champions and look set to be a contender for the title they crave more than anything else

Atletico is starting all over again in the Champions League. While Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are looking to add to their collection of European titles, the Rojiblancos are still seeking their first crown in the continent's premier club competition. But on Wednesday's evidence, they will be in contention once again this time around.
Atletico beat Bayern again thanks to Carrasco strike
Diego Simeone's side suffered heartbreak in Lisbon two years ago as a late leveler from Sergio Ramos cancelled out what had looked like the winning goal from Diego Godin and its local rival Real won it in extra time. And in May of this year, history repeated itself in similar circumstances as Atleti lost out again to Madrid in the San Siro showpiece — this time in a penalty shootout.
The pain was etched upon the players' faces and even tough guy Simeone could barely hold back the tears in his post-match press conference. Would they be able to lift themselves again after such sadness and disappointment?
They already have. Simeone set about building a squad to compete in La Liga and in the Champions League this term and, after beating PSV Eindhoven in their European opener earlier this month, Atleti produced another impressive performance to defeat one of the continent's elite teams on Wednesday.

Yannick Carrasco's fine goal after 35 minutes was the difference, the Belgium winger attacking from deep and slotting home a low shot in off the post from 20 yards out. But the margin of victory would have been greater had Fernando Torres converted one of his two excellent opportunities and Antoine Griezmann not crashed a penalty against the woodwork late in the game.
Griezmann missed a penalty in the final of the Champions League at San Siro too and Atletico's spot kick woes are something of a concern. Torres, who was excellent despite failing to score in this one, also erred from 12 yards out in the semifinal second leg against Bayern and it is perhaps time for Simeone to consider a change, with Koke, Saul and Gabi all options for the penalty-taking duties.


Nevertheless, the win was deserved and Atletico will continue to improve this season as Kevin Gameiro and Nico Gaitan adapt after moving in the summer to the Vicente Calderon.
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Atletico's atmospheric arena is in its final season as the club is set to move to a new stadium at La Peineta from next August and, before kickoff against Bayern, the fans held up a spectacular mosaic which read "give joy to my heart".
The team definitely did that and against a Bayern outfit that saw plenty of the ball but rarely threatened to break down Atletico's disciplined defensive line, Simeone's side shone on another memorable European night.
It may not go on to win the competition this season, but certainly showed on Wednesday that it will be in contention for the title once again — no doubt about it.

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