Who are Atletico Madrid? Major League Soccer's opponents in the 2019 All-Star Game presented by Target of course!
Here's what you need to know about the Spanish giants:
Current squad
Led by 2018 World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid are star-studded.
Griezmann, 28, has been with the club since 2014, after leaving Carlos Vela and Real Sociedad. He has 19 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season and has scored 133 goals for the club.
Behind him, Atleti are known for their stout defense, led by Uruguayan star Diego Godin. He is paired with countryman Jose Gimenez, and backed by Jan Oblak in goal, who is considered one of the world's best goalkeepers.
The attack is far from a one-man show, as Griezmann is supported by Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, Thomas Lemar, Koke and others.
Manager
Diego Simeone | Action Images
Diego Simeone has been in charge of the club since 2011 and has made his reputation as one of the world's best managers, leading Atletico Madrid to success in Spain and in Europe despite lacking the financial firepower of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The 49-year-old Simeone also earned 100 caps for Argentina as a tenacious midfielder during his playing days, and his teams play like he did.
Club history and success
Atletico Madrid celebrate their 2018 Europa League triumph | Reuters
Established in 1903, Atletico were founded just one year after in-city rivals Real Madrid.
The club have won La Liga on 10 occasions, though just twice since 1977. Their most recent triumph? Former NYCFC star David Villa was their second-leading scorer as they pipped Barcelona to the 2013-14 title. They have also won the Copa del Rey 10 times, most recently in 2012-13.
On a continental basis, they have come so close to winning the Champions League, but haven't won the trophy yet. In 2013-14 and 2015-16 they fell in the final, both times to Real Madrid.
They did win the Europa League in 2017-18, and Griezmann picked up the tournament's best player award.
