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Cholismo Lab is an independent site about Atlético de Madrid, run single-handedly by a fan in Japan.
The site looks back at matches, goes into players and tactics, and also keeps a squad directory and quizzes. This page sets out what is here and where it is easiest to start.
What is here
Match reports and previews
Atlético matches are reviewed here, usually the day after the match. Not only how the goals came, but where the game changed. For the bigger fixtures there is a preview before kick-off as well.
Columns
Columns go by theme rather than by match: players, tactics, the rulebook, going to games. The guide for anyone travelling to the Metropolitano is here too.
Player directory
Each current player gets the profile, market value, attribute ratings and season stats on a single card. There are pages for former players as well.
Matches and standings
The next fixture, the recent results and the league table are collected here. Kick-off times are shown in Spanish time (CET/CEST).
Quiz
So that reading is not the only thing here, each quiz set is five questions. Short enough for a spare few minutes.
Where to start reading
The Complete Guide to Riyadh Air Metropolitano — Everything You Need for Your First Atlético Match Day
The kiosks inside sell only alcohol-free beer: Spanish law bans it in the general areas. And from there, fixtures, tickets and the night itself.
How Non-EU Player Rules Differ Across Europe’s Big Five Leagues
A British-only passport takes one of Spain's three non-EU slots as a rule, while Italy treats it as EU. Five leagues, five answers, as of July 2026.
Why Atlético Remain Such an Awful Opponent to Face
El Pupas was not a taunt thrown from outside. It came from within the club. How a memory of never quite being rewarded turned into a way of playing.
Simeone's Tactical Evolution: From Fortress 4-4-2 to Shape-Shifting Cholismo 2.0
"The way we did it in Godín's time does not work now." From 4-4-2 to a back three to a hybrid: fourteen years, told by the man himself.
Updates
Match reports usually go up the day after the match. New articles are announced on X, so follow along if you like.
About the site
How the site started, and where the numbers used in the articles come from, are written up on the About page. If you find an error or want to say something, please use the contact form.