Simeone Equals Aragones’ La Liga Wins Record as Atletico Share the Credit
Diego Simeone has matched a landmark achievement in Spanish football, drawing level with Luis Aragones as the manager with the most victories in La Liga history. But after Atletico Madrid’s win over Levante, the Argentine coach was quick to stress that the record belongs not to him alone, but to the players, staff and club that have supported his long tenure.
Simeone’s latest milestone reflects the remarkable consistency of his work at Atletico. He has recorded 345 wins in 565 La Liga matches, alongside 123 draws and 98 defeats. Aragones also finished with 345 league victories, but needed 756 games to reach the same total. The figures underline both Simeone’s longevity and the high rate at which his teams have turned performances into points.
A record built through collective effort
Speaking after the Levante match, Simeone described the achievement as the result of nearly 15 years of shared work. He recalled that Atletico chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín gave him the opportunity to take charge despite his limited experience in European football at the time, beyond his spell with Catania in Italy.
“I don’t feel that this achievement is mine alone; it is a shared achievement,” Simeone said. He added that the club’s trust and support helped create the conditions for the team’s progress, while also acknowledging the people who have worked alongside him throughout his time in Madrid.
The coach reserved particular praise for his players, whose commitment and willingness to follow the team’s plan have been central to his success. Simeone said he thanks them after every match, noting that remaining at one club for 15 years is not easy. His comments offered a glimpse into the relationships and continuity behind Atletico’s achievements during his tenure.
How Atletico found a way past Levante
The record came after a match Simeone described as difficult and demanding, particularly in its early stages. Levante made life uncomfortable for Atletico, and the visitors needed Jan Oblak to produce an important save from a dangerous attempt. Simeone said that moment helped his side assess the opposition and identify areas it could exploit as the game developed.
Atletico gradually gained greater control, although the contest included moments that could have changed its direction. Morton had a goal ruled out, while Grimaldo’s strike added another talking point to a match in which the hosts had to remain alert. For Simeone, the eventual improvement was not accidental: he credited the work carried out on the training ground and the players’ ability to adjust during the game.
The second-half display drew particular approval from the coach. He highlighted Baena’s vision and Giuliano’s movement, while emphasizing that Atletico’s attacking threat depends on contributions across the squad rather than the efforts of one or two individuals. In his view, collective structure can create the space and freedom that allow creative players to make a decisive impact.
Depth gives Atletico more options
Atletico’s result without Koke was another example of the value of squad depth, according to Simeone. The midfielder has long been an important figure in the team, but the coach suggested that the group’s collective work can help others step forward and influence matches. That flexibility may prove valuable as the season brings a demanding schedule across several competitions.
Simeone also believes the current squad has more to offer than some of his previous teams. That assessment is not a guarantee of future success, but it points to his confidence in the group’s range of qualities and its potential to improve. For supporters following Atletico’s campaign, the central question will be whether the team can turn that promise into consistent performances when the pressure rises.
Title race prediction: Simeone urges patience
With the title race entering an important phase, Simeone acknowledged that the coming weeks could be significant. However, he warned against treating the season as if its outcome were already decided. There is still a long road ahead, he said, and Atletico must approach each fixture individually rather than becoming distracted by predictions or the wider standings.
That measured approach is familiar from Simeone. He has repeatedly stressed the importance of humility, continued improvement and building effective partnerships between players. In a closely contested football season, small details—defensive concentration, movement off the ball and decision-making in the final third—can shape results over time. Atletico’s challenge is to keep improving those areas while managing the demands of multiple competitions.
The club’s upcoming schedule includes a Champions League match against Barcelona on November 4, 2026, followed by a Copa del Rey meeting with Levante on November 6. Those fixtures will test the squad’s depth and ability to recover quickly, making rotation and tactical adaptability especially important. Simeone’s record is a reminder of what Atletico can achieve over a sustained period, but the immediate focus remains on the next match.
Grimaldo’s attacking qualities catch the coach’s eye
Simeone also discussed Grimaldo’s fit within Atletico’s style. He said a conversation with the player had convinced him of Grimaldo’s desire to join, while the defender’s attacking instincts offer the team another way to challenge compact opposition. His ability to advance and contribute in the final third could help Atletico create openings when opponents defend deep.
Grimaldo has also taken on penalty duties, adding another responsibility to his role. Simeone expressed hope that the Spaniard can maintain his level through the difficult tests ahead, though the coach knows that consistency is measured across a long season, not a single performance.
For Atletico, the Levante victory therefore carried significance beyond the result. It marked a historic personal milestone for Simeone, showcased the contribution of several players and offered evidence of the squad’s depth. Yet the coach’s response was characteristically focused on the collective—and on the work still required. His record-breaking run may be celebrated, but Atletico’s next objective is to keep turning that shared effort into points, progress and meaningful competition for silverware.
