One player that Simeone has put all his faith in is Adrián López, as the Argentine has managed to get the best out of the Asturian striker.

Since the game against Granada, the number 7's first match in the starting eleven in this season's La Liga, the Asturian's life has taken a turn in recent days. He has gone from being a regular substitute to a regular in the first team.

During Saturday's goal-fest against Getafe, Adrián scored his first goal of the season to make it 7-0 and bring an end to his goal drought.

The striker got his name on the score-sheet again on Tuesday in the Champions League. This time he made it 0-1 after a fine run and a fine pass by Raúl García. He showed the coolness in front of goal like the Adrián of old who won the hearts of the Calderón faithful.

The goal was not enough to hand Atlético victory as Zenit drew level. But it is important for 'Los Rojiblancos' to see the return of form of a player who had not been at his best since Simeone’s arrival.

The sublime level of Adrián's performances during the 2011-12 season (he scored 19 goals and played a key part in Atlético's Europa League win) gradually declined until he was relegated to the bench. During that period, 'El Cholo' was one of the few who believed in the Asturian, which is why he declined to let the player leave the club in the summer. The coach is now delighted with the forward's return to form.