Atlético Madrid 2014

Coach: Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid pulled off one of the great title upsets of the 2010s in 2013-14, winning La Liga ahead of both Barcelona and city rivals Real Madrid despite operating on a fraction of their transfer budgets — sealed with a draw at Camp Nou on the final day. The squad was built on Simeone's trademark defensive organisation, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (on loan from Chelsea) behind a back line marshalled by Diego Godín, and Diego Costa's aggressive, physical centre-forward play driving the attack alongside the creativity of Koke and Gabi in midfield. Atlético carried that momentum into the Champions League final in Lisbon against Real Madrid, taking a first-half lead through Godín and defending it until the 93rd minute, when Sergio Ramos headed in a stoppage-time equaliser that broke Atlético's resistance; Real went on to win 4-1 in extra time to complete 'La Décima'. The domestic title remains one of the most celebrated achievements in the club's history, ending a period of Real-Barça duopoly that had lasted the best part of a decade, even if the European final ended in heartbreak.