2005–06 Atlético Madrid season (original) (raw)

Atlético de 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 superstarlet Sergio Agüero from Independiente.