Time to walk away? Simeone’s Atletico Fairytale seems set for an Unhappy Ending

The Rojiblancos, on the verge of Champions League elimination after a draw at home to Qarabag, are at their lowest ebb since the Argentine's arrival

Is the dream dying for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid? Failure to beat lowly Qarabag either away or at home has left the Rojiblancos on the brink of a shock exit in the Champions League and there are signs that this fairytale is slowly heading for an unhappy ending.

Atletico are unbeaten in La Liga this term. However, five draws in their 10 matches mean Simeone's side are already some way off the pace in fourth place and, in Europe, there now looks to be no way back for the Rojiblancos after three ties and loss in their first four fixtures.

Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at home to Azerbaijan side Qarabag was particularly disappointing. Atletico did not play well, but the feeling was that in times gone by, it was a match Simeone's side would have found a way to win.

Part of the problem is the new stadium. The Wanda Metropolitano is an impressive arena, yet it lacks the warmth and the hostility of the Vicente Calderon. Rival teams dreaded visiting Atleti's former home, but their new ground does not have that same aura - despite its increased capacity.

The transfer ban created an additional problem for Atletico and although both Diego Costa and Vitolo were signed, neither of the two can make their debuts until January - and the season could be all but over by then for Simeone's side.

"if things continue this way, Diego Costa's arrival won't help at all," Gabi said after Tuesday night's draw against Qarabag. And on the possibility of finishing third in the group (behind Roma and Chelsea) and playing in Europe's second-tier competition, he said: "Today, right now, I would say that the Europa League is a piece of sh*t."

That shows just how far Atletico have come. Europa League winners in 2010 (under Quique Sanchez Flores) and in Simeone's first season (in 2012), the Rojiblancos have set their sights on bigger things since and are still set on winning the Champions League after losing to rivals Real Madrid in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

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