Can Luis Suarez fire Atletico Madrid to La Liga glory?

21/05/21 3534

When Luis Suarez signed a two-year contract with Atletico Madrid in September 2020, many believed that he was past his best.

Ronald Koeman took over at Barcelona and informed Suarez that his services were no longer required at Camp Nou, forcing the Uruguayan to leave the club.

But following a remarkable campaign, the 34-year-old is on the verge of guiding Atletico to their first La Liga title since 2013/14.

With just one game left to play this season, Atletico Madrid sit two points clear of second-place Real Madrid – thanks largely to Suarez’s exploits.

Diego Simeone’s men were 1-0 down with just eight minutes to play against Osasuna in the penultimate round.

However, following Renan Lodi’s equaliser, Suarez netted an 88th-minute winner to put his side in pole position to clinch the title.

The former Liverpool forward has scored 20 goals in 31 La Liga appearances this season, as well as contributing three assists.

After bagging five goals in his first six matches, Suarez contracted coronavirus and was forced to spend a spell on the sidelines.

Yet, when he returned, he scored 11 goals in a remarkable nine-game streak – including braces against Elche, Eibar, Cadiz and Celta Vigo.

The veteran striker then missed three matches with a muscle injury, but he has since returned and has picked up where he left off before the injury.

Behind Lionel Messi (28), Gerard Moreno (23) and Karim Benzema (22), Suarez (20) is the fourth-highest scorer in La Liga this season.

Koeman believed that Suarez was heading into the twilight of his career, but the Uruguay has proved his doubters wrong in style.

Funnily enough, Barcelona are now out of the title race. They sit third – six points behind Atletico – having failed to win any of their last three matches.

Suarez’s resurgence has been nothing short of sensational this season. If he can fire Atletico to the title, the triumph will be thoroughly deserved – both for the club and the player.