The defensive strength is one of the keys to success of this Atletico Madrid. The numbers do not leave the slightest doubt. The rojiblanco have conceded 23 goals in 26 league games, the fewest goals of all the First Division. Thibaut Courtois, with only 21 goals conceded in 25 games, is ahead of all the goalkeeper in the League. Their good performances are undeniable, but the data endorse the words of the goalkeeper when speaking of the whole team merits. "Not conceding not only a merit of mine, the whole team works very well on defense to make sure we concede no goals," noted the young Belgian goalkeeper in the mixed zone of La Rosaleda.

It’s no surprise that the begian has become famous for his big saves, to the poin of the 'Thibauting' phenomenon on social networks, the statistics speak for his goalkeeping record...15th in the ranking of saves made. Clear evidence of the strength of the whole defensive side of Diego Pablo Simeone’s team. To give a comparative example, Willy Caballero, the Argentine goalkeeper of Malaga with who Courtois is currently competing for the Zamora trophy, has been forced to make 31 stops more than the 109 that the Atletico keeper has made.

Significant is the fact that more than half of the matches played by the rojiblanco so far in the league have ended with a clean sheet. Specifically, in 14 of the 26 league matches, a testimony to the defensive work of Simeone's team. At the Vicente Calderon the side has only conceeded six times in thirteen games played (and won). With the team having not let on in at home in the league since Osasuna on October 29th, 2012. Eight consecutive games with the goal intact. Record after record.

Cleansheets are the work of the entire team, we works very well on defence

 It’s not only Courtois who deserves a mention, Diego Godin and Joao Miranda, aside from their great performances, which have seen them playing for the Uruguayan and Brazilian national teams, they’re also in the top 10 in terms of clearances made with the Uruguayan 3rd and the Brazilian in 10th.

Looking back, this Atletico Madrid have managed to recover the lost defensive solidity in recent seasons. One must go back to the 2006-07 season for a number of goals scored as low as the current. In that campaign the team only conceded 22 goals points, although they amassed 14 less points. Couple the top defensive work with the midfield creativity and attacking threats of Falcao, Diego Costa, Adrian, Raul Garcia and the combination results in the sweet moment for the rojiblancos.