A marriage of convenience between Atlético de Madrid and Frente Atleti. Thus faced in recent days with the sanction of the partial closure of the stands, as is necessary in every match, especially when the red and white are leading in the match. The south end of the Metropolitan reminded us of pandemic football. The one that was played in stadiums devoid of supporters and in which each ball hit resonated in the bare stands.
The Metropolitan’s lungs were deprived of air. Simeone encouraged the remaining 55,000 people to oxygenate a team whose breathing is intermittent. Atlético worked in fits and starts. Stuck in the engine room and overtaken on the sides in the first act, especially on the left. Simeone had to turn around to highlight a supporting role, his son, who provided electricity to his team. He and a veteran central defender revive Atlético.
Witsel strengthens
The oldest player in the red and white team (35 years old) reminded Simeone of his presence. In the previous two seasons, he was the best central defender, even though it wasn’t his position. Against Leganés he was a stronghold in defense and saved a point lead. It is explanatory to say the least, striking to say the least, that a central defender must cut back and deliver an assist into the opposite area to equalize.
Riquelme, in the corner of reflection
How many individual duels did Riquelme lose in the first half? They won’t read a try against a footballer who puts everything into every action of every match, but his debut against Leganés was not what he usually does. He faced, pretended and tried to sink in a fang that must have been sharper. Simeone replaced him before the clock showed match time to start the electricity.
Giuliano knocks on the door
He was stretching, jumping, moving… giving the fourth official time while he waited on the sidelines to come out on the field. His electricity was clear before he entered. During the week, Simeone had done tests with his son lying on his side. An emergency option for a match where the warning light was on. He came in and changed the color. He was involved in the first goal by allowing Witsel and fought against the outskirts of the field to prevent the ball from going out and assist Griezmann. He took advantage of the opportunity after an unstable start to the campaign.
Sorloth the Tireless
He is not a ball virtuoso nor does he have infallible scoring success, but he intelligently interpreted what his team expected of him. With Nastasic’s marking thus fixed, the Norwegian delayed his position to push the Serb out of his and create space. He has not yet mastered the profiles and pivots with a slight delay, but he keeps going back and forth and the one who goes so much ends up taking something with him. Two goals. His first double as a red and white player on the day he was most involved in creation.
Old harmful vices
Having the oldest center back and a backup save a team is an unflattering diagnosis. Simeone’s men have fallen back into old vices which have not yet been alleviated. The defense does not have the solidity of yesteryear and the midfield does not have the necessary movement. Demonstrations of individual courage and verticality save a group whose choreography is not yet choral.
