Atletico Madrid vs. FC Barcelona
MATCH ANALYSIS
After an astounding international break which witnessed heart break and hurrah alike, it's time to revert to the dynamics of club football.
On matchday 8 in La Liga, Barcelona travelled to the Spanish capital for a hard fought match against the Los Colchoneros. The newly built Wanda Metropolitano was treated to a good football match, although some would disagree because of the 1-1 draw.
Ernesto Valverde pulled a rabbit out of the hat, giving the much sidelined Andre Gomes a place in the starting eleven, only to see it bounce right off the stage, so to say. Welcoming Iniesta back from a thigh injury, the Don looked absolute class, running the show in midfield for the Blaugranes. Continuing Lucho's tactic of a 4-3-3 in attack and 4-4-2 when defending, Barca had ample possession, just not the penetration required. A dismal first half performance from Gomes didn't help his chances in the starting eleven. Trailing at half time, substitutions were expected. But Ernesto stuck to his guns, with a bright start to the second half. To prevent any injury scare, Deulofeu was brought on for Iniesta and a change of position for Gomes from right-wing to midfield seemed to work for him. With quality passes to Deulofeu and piercing runs to the box, he looked a different player altogether. It was his presence in the box that engaged Godin and let Suarez put a smart finish beyong Oblak to equalize for Barca. Messi, as usual ran the show. Popping up everywhere on the pitch, hitting the post, mazy dribbles; Simeone's plaudits for him were well earned after the match.
Diego Simeone put out his strongest starting eleven in his predicted 4-4-2 formation. The Atletico team went about their business, as usual. Setting deep in defence, and some defense, they looked to catch Barca on the counter, and catch they did, with Griezmann getting into two great positions to scor early on, only to be denied by smart saves from Stegen. It was one of the best displays by Antoine this season, putting a double shift in both defense and attack. Another standout performer for the Rojiblancos was Saul Niguez. The young Spaniard was everything good that came out of Atleti's mid. A sublime touch and an exquisite finish from him put Atletico in the lead in the first half. The tactical switch in his position, from wings to central midfield, seems to be a masterstroke from his Argentine manager. As Barca piled up the pressure in the 2nd half, an astute defensive performance from them put the cules at bay for most of the half. Simeone ticked all the correct boxes in this feud.
Ernesto still has a long way to go. Granted the tactical mistakes in the first half, he is flexible and humble enough to realize them and make changes as the situation demands, as was visible with the inspired substitutions of Roberto and Deulofeu. He even brought something good out of Gomes, showing all's not lost hopefully. However, Messi's love affair with goal posts seem to carry on.
As for Atletico, their well oiled and drilled defensive machinery is always on top of their game, add to it the attacking prowess; the only weakness that comes into foray is their mental strength and squad depth. Torres is a fading influence and reinforcements in the midfield department seem necessary.
After an astounding international break which witnessed heart break and hurrah alike, it's time to revert to the dynamics of club football.
On matchday 8 in La Liga, Barcelona travelled to the Spanish capital for a hard fought match against the Los Colchoneros. The newly built Wanda Metropolitano was treated to a good football match, although some would disagree because of the 1-1 draw.
Ernesto Valverde pulled a rabbit out of the hat, giving the much sidelined Andre Gomes a place in the starting eleven, only to see it bounce right off the stage, so to say. Welcoming Iniesta back from a thigh injury, the Don looked absolute class, running the show in midfield for the Blaugranes. Continuing Lucho's tactic of a 4-3-3 in attack and 4-4-2 when defending, Barca had ample possession, just not the penetration required. A dismal first half performance from Gomes didn't help his chances in the starting eleven. Trailing at half time, substitutions were expected. But Ernesto stuck to his guns, with a bright start to the second half. To prevent any injury scare, Deulofeu was brought on for Iniesta and a change of position for Gomes from right-wing to midfield seemed to work for him. With quality passes to Deulofeu and piercing runs to the box, he looked a different player altogether. It was his presence in the box that engaged Godin and let Suarez put a smart finish beyong Oblak to equalize for Barca. Messi, as usual ran the show. Popping up everywhere on the pitch, hitting the post, mazy dribbles; Simeone's plaudits for him were well earned after the match.
 |
Suarez looks to have found his groove back. |
Diego Simeone put out his strongest starting eleven in his predicted 4-4-2 formation. The Atletico team went about their business, as usual. Setting deep in defence, and some defense, they looked to catch Barca on the counter, and catch they did, with Griezmann getting into two great positions to scor early on, only to be denied by smart saves from Stegen. It was one of the best displays by Antoine this season, putting a double shift in both defense and attack. Another standout performer for the Rojiblancos was Saul Niguez. The young Spaniard was everything good that came out of Atleti's mid. A sublime touch and an exquisite finish from him put Atletico in the lead in the first half. The tactical switch in his position, from wings to central midfield, seems to be a masterstroke from his Argentine manager. As Barca piled up the pressure in the 2nd half, an astute defensive performance from them put the cules at bay for most of the half. Simeone ticked all the correct boxes in this feud.
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| Saul celebrates his goal. |
Ernesto still has a long way to go. Granted the tactical mistakes in the first half, he is flexible and humble enough to realize them and make changes as the situation demands, as was visible with the inspired substitutions of Roberto and Deulofeu. He even brought something good out of Gomes, showing all's not lost hopefully. However, Messi's love affair with goal posts seem to carry on.
As for Atletico, their well oiled and drilled defensive machinery is always on top of their game, add to it the attacking prowess; the only weakness that comes into foray is their mental strength and squad depth. Torres is a fading influence and reinforcements in the midfield department seem necessary.
 |
Messi and goal-posts, a better love story than Twilight. |
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