**Galán: Statistics at Atlético Madrid**

At the heart of any football club's success lies the intricate web of statistics that paint a clear picture of their performance, both on and off the field. At Atlético Madrid, the numbers speak for themselves, offering insights into key areas such as goals, shots, passes, and defensive contributions. These statistics are not just tools for analysis; they are essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team and how they compare to others in the league.

### **Goals and Goals Against**

The first metric to consider is the number of goals scored and conceded. At Madrid, these stats are crucial for assessing the team's attacking and defensive efficiency. A high number of goals scored indicates a strong attacking performance, while a low number of goals conceded suggests a solid defense. For example, in the 2021/2022 season, Madrid featured a top talent like Rubén Arcaeta and Lourdes Montemayor, who combined to score over 100 goals, while their opponents struggled to counter, leading to a high number of goals against. This balance of goals scored and conceded is a key indicator of a team's overall performance.

### **Shots on Target and Assists**

Another important metric is the number of shots on target and assists. At Madrid, a high number of shots on target indicates a strong defensive ability, as it shows the inability of the opposing team to create chances. Conversely, assists are a direct measure of how effective the team's players are at converting shots into goals. Madrid's defense, led by their young stars, has been key to their success, and this is reflected in their low number of shots on target and high number of assists. For instance, during the 2021/2022 season, Madrid's defense allowed only 120 shots on target, while their players contributed 218 assists, showcasing their ability to create chances.

### **Passes, Tackles, and Tackles by Opponents**

Passing is another critical metric that sheds light on the team's passing ability. At Madrid, the number of passes completed, passes involved, and passes by opponents is a key indicator of how well the team can create chances on the field. A high number of passes completed indicates strong attacking ability, while a high number of passes by opponents suggests a defensive weakness. For example, Madrid has been known for their ability to create long-range shots, and this is reflected in their high number of passes completed. Conversely, their defense has been effective in limiting opponents' ability to create passes, as seen in their high number of passes by opponents.

Tackles also play a vital role in determining the quality of the team's defense. At Madrid, the number of tackles made and tackles by opponents is a key metric for assessing the defensive strength of the team. A high number of tackles made indicates a strong defensive ability, while a high number of tackles by opponents suggests that the opposition has little room to respond. For instance, during the 2021/2022 season, Madrid's tackles made were significantly higher than their opponents', showcasing their ability to create pressure on the field.

### **Passes in Opposition and Passes in Opposition's Opponents**

Finally, looking at the number of passes in opposition and passes in opposition's opponents provides insight into the team's ability to counter attacks from their opponents. At Madrid, a high number of passes in opposition suggests that the opposition has little room to respond, while a high number of passes in opposition's opponents indicates that the opposition is a formidable team. For example, during the 2021/2022 season, Madrid's opposition had only 100 passes in opposition, while their opponents' opponents have faced 700 passes, showcasing their formidable defenses.

### **Conclusion**

In conclusion, statistics at Atlético Madrid are a vital tool for understanding the team's performance. From their attacking and defensive stats to their ability to create passes and counter attacks, these metrics provide a comprehensive view of the club's strengths and weaknesses. While statistics are important, they should not be the sole measure of a team's performance. A balanced approach that considers both quantity and quality, as well as other factors like player performance and team strategy, will provide a more holistic view of the club's success.