Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone out to dent Chelsea's European ambitions #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

GIVEN that it’s taken nearly twenty long years for Atletico Madrid to genuinely threaten the Spanish title, and precisely forty years of vertigo since they were last at the summit of European competition, it would not be wise to attribute their current power to just one element.

Diego Simeone will be hoping to lead his team to the Champions League final this year[GETTY ]

But if you were forced, under the threat of being confined to a desert island with Rui Faria as your only companion, to pick the single most important factor in Atletico’s rise and rise then even ahead of Diego Costa, Koke and Thibaut Courtois it would have to be Diego Simeone.

Not only were the Rojiblancos more concerned with Primera Division survival than trophy winning when their saviour appeared at Christmas 2012, their subsequent ascension to Spain and Europe’s top table is indelibly stamped with his personality, his rigour, his aggression, his intelligence and his intensity.

Think of this.

He bears the identical ability to inspire utter obedience and loyalty which was the hallmark (no more?) of the young Jose Mourinho.

He is just as furiously intense in the demands of daily work under his training ground regime as Pep Guardiola ever was.

And, suddenly, there’s the greatest equilibrium over whether the President or the coach is the most important figure at this volatile, eccentric club since Luis Aragones was in charge over a decade ago. Quite a mix of talents no?

Having intentionally built up his credibility it’s perhaps as well to get the ‘eccentric’ bit out of the way here and now.

Although Raymond Domenech’s reliance on the Zodiac seemed risible, I see no-one mocking this Argentinian street-fighter for his equally firm dependence on the alignment of planets.

Chelsea will have to contain the likes of Diego Costa if they want to win in Spain [GETTY]

This sport needs a bit of fear. Fear gives you courage

Diego Simeone

He freely admits: “I take horoscopes very seriously.

“Sagittarians need a lot of affection, but if you’re born under Scorpio you respond better to a bit of tough love. My star sign is Taurus – we can be a bit difficult to deal with. We’ll give you our heart and soul but only if you treat us well. If you try to force us to do something against our will, watch out…”

So, watch out Chelsea?

When Simeone took over he was, of course inheriting a squad which had already begun to acquire a taste for winning – the Europa League and the European Super Cup.

But he hit the ground running and his players have never stopped.

To get a handle on this ferocious competitor you have to accept that he has a slightly unnerving animal intelligence and sixth sense,  events seem to happen just as he dictates they will.

He now admits: “I like to anticipate what‘s going to happen before it happens.

“While I was working in Argentina I knew that Atleti would call me one day when things were going badly.

“I wanted all of this.

“I was waiting for it. Ready.

“After only 20 days  here I felt like I had been working with these players for years.

“I didn’t need to force anything, it all evolved naturally.

“They were completely open to me and wanted as much from me as possible.

“Courage, ambition and talent are the qualities I look for in a player. They’re even more important than a player having a good game or two.”

The Vicente Calderon is sure to provide a great atmosphere this evening [GETTY ]

His lesser appreciated triumph has been to call the board to heel and ensure that not only are 99% of the club’s stars retained and given new contracts but that Atletico continue to acquire shrewdly.

He says: “There are many ways to triumph.  The important thing is to make sure that you have as many weapons as possible to ensure that you do win.  I agree with (Alex) Ferguson. Winning gives you more power.”

Diego and Jose Sosa were brought at Christmas – each has contributed key goals and assists since joining, giving much needed respite to pivotal players like Arda, Raul Garcia and Koke.

That said, there may come a stage of this mould-breaking season when Atletico’s batteries run a little flat.

Right now though it is like there’s a bond that binds every last man, one which says ‘I’m not going to be the guy who wilts first’.

Hence they keep winning. On and on.

Motivated more by the fear of letting down their colleagues and fans than solely by the glory which beckons.

Simeone says: “This sport needs a bit of fear. Fear gives you courage. I always tell the players ‘If you’re scared that means you’re ready to fight, to kill’, in football terms of course

“In my own country fear has always been something that has made us more prepared for whatever lies in store.  

“I don’t believe the players or managers who say that they’re completely different characters on and off the pitch.

“The way you play reflects your personality. You can’t compartmentalise your emotions like that. I just can’t accept that a passionate person is detached when he’s out there on the pitch. That’s where we as footballers express ourselves. On the pitch”

The pitch at the hostile Estadio Vicente Calderon where Simeone’s football philosophy will put Chelsea on trial tonight.

He says: “The Calderon is all about passion. You won’t find the fans protesting about a defeat but you will hear all about it if they’re seeing laziness or a lack of ambition.”

Unlikely prospects when Jose Mourinho, still seen as a hated Madridista by the Calderon faithful, leads Chelsea out with a place in the Champions League Final at stake.