Atlético Madrid has made a remarkable comeback in Spanish football, largely thanks to two dynamic South American strikers who revived the club’s fortunes.
Twenty years ago, Luis Aragonés was getting Atlético ready for their second division match against Real Jaén.
The club’s past struggles are easy to forget, especially now that Atlético is a key player in modern European football. In 2000, the team faced financial challenges and a criminal investigation, leading to relegation after 65 seasons in the top tier.
Hopes for promotion were pinned on young talent Fernando Torres. The 17-year-old thrived under Aragonés, helping the team return to La Liga in 2002 and playing a crucial role in its stabilization. As Torres gained recognition, the club began looking for a suitable long-term partner for him.
Atlético’s scouts turned their attention to South America, a longstanding source of talent. The continent had produced stars like Jorge Griffa, Rubén Ayala, Donato, Diego Simeone, Luis Perea, and Diego Godín.
Club president Enrique Cerezo set his sights on 17-year-old striker Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero from Independiente. Making headlines in 2003 as the youngest debutant in Primera División history, he scored 18 goals in his first full season.
Sergio Aguero 4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
⚽️His first career goal at Independiente
????????????
— City Chief (@City_Chief) August 26, 2019
Despite interest from many European clubs, Atlético met his price of £15 million, a record for a 17-year-old player. Initially, Agüero had a tough start with just 7 goals in his first season, but his connection with Torres showed promise.
However, Torres eventually moved to Liverpool, prompting Cerezo to seek a replacement. Diego ‘El Cachavacha’ Forlán, fresh from a less successful stint at Manchester United, joined Atlético in 2004. After scoring 25 goals in his debut season with Villarreal, he regained his confidence.
From 1980, Diego Forlan is the only player to be the top scorer of La Liga ???????? playing for 2 different clubs other than Barcelona and Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/gvLoESZoTR
— Uruguay Football ENG (@UruguayFootENG) February 20, 2021
Forlán found success with Atlético, becoming a strong partner for Agüero. Their combination, under manager Javier Aguirre, quickly developed into one of the league’s most effective pairings.
Blink and you’ll miss this banger from @DiegoForlan7! ????????
???? @atletienglish ⚪️#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/JCsIxUJsO9
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) August 1, 2021
Reflecting on their time together, Forlán noted their chemistry: “We made a very good duo. We were different, but we understood each other well.”
In the 2007/08 season, Agüero scored 27 goals while Forlán netted 23, leading Atlético to a fourth-place finish and securing a Champions League spot for the first time since 1997.
The next season saw Agüero play a more versatile role, helping Forlán score in a thrilling 4-3 win against Barcelona. The duo cemented their place as a top partnership in La Liga.
⚽⚽Thierry Henry
⚽Lionel Messi
⚽⚽Diego Forlan
⚽⚽Sergio AgueroBarcelona and Atletico Madrid got a bit out of hand in March 2009…pic.twitter.com/s8wRdLntQA
— Planet Football (@planetfutebol) April 2, 2020
After a challenging start under new manager Quique Sánchez Flores, Atlético bounced back in the Europa League, defeating Liverpool in the semi-finals with two goals from Forlán. They faced Fulham in the final, where Agüero assisted Forlán for the winning goal, securing their first major European title in 48 years.
Sergio Aguero was directly involved in five goals during Atletico Madrid’s 2009/10 Europa League winning campaign.
He would provide two assists in the final against Fulham and help the club win their second major European title.
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 21, 2020
Unfortunately, that victory marked the height of the Agüero-Forlán partnership. Following the 2010 World Cup, Forlán struggled with fitness, and both he and newcomer Diego Costa faced disappointing seasons.
Agüero, however, enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 20 league goals before moving to Manchester City for £38 million. This transfer paved the way for Radamel Falcao’s arrival, marking the end of Forlán’s time at Atlético.
Overall, Agüero and Forlán are celebrated as one of Atlético’s most effective attacking duos. Together, they scored 191 goals in 388 appearances and played key roles in revitalizing the club and starting a new era of success.
Read Also – Midfield Magicians: A bona fide winner who simply oozed class, Clarence Seedorf
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
