Diego Simeone equals Atletico Madrid record after La Liga win

The Spanish league leaders returned to winning ways on Sunday to get their title bid back on track and hand their manager a record.

Diego Simeone has equaled Luis Aragones’ record for the most victories as an Atletico Madrid manager following Sunday’s 2-0 win away to Villarreal.

An own goal from Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza, and Joao Felix’s second-half strike, was enough to bag Atletico victory in eastern Spain to end a two-match losing run and move five points clear at the top of La Liga for the time being.

The win was also Simeone’s 308th in charge of the club, moving him level with the legendary Aragones as the joint-most successful Atletico manager of all-time – in terms of the number of victories.

‘El Cholo’ can break Aragones’ record by beating Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in next weekend’s derby. It would be a fitting moment for the club and manager to make history at the expense of their city rivals, while strengthening their title hopes.

3⃣0⃣8⃣

👏 @Simeone equals the legendary Luis Aragonés' win tally as Atleti coach 👏

🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/kcpaw1Ful1

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 28, 2021

How does Simeone compare to Aragones?

To the Rojiblancos faithful, Aragones needs no introduction. The former Spain and Barcelona boss is an icon, having coached the club on seven spells between 1974 and 2003. He won 308 of his 610 games and won nine major honors, including one La Liga crown and three Copa del Rey titles.

Aragones sadly passed away in 2014 from leukemia, which was the same year Simeone guided Atletico to a first La Liga title since 1996 – which he was also a part of as a player.

The former midfielder has been in charge of the capital club since 2011, winning 308 times in 512 games. He has transformed Atletico back into a Spanish heavyweight, with an impressive seven trophies in his cabinet so far. These include one league title, two Europa League crowns, and two UEFA Super Cups.