Somewhat surprisingly, Atlético left the Santiago Bernabéu with a share of the points following a 1-1 draw despite having been clearly outplayed throughout the match. Brahim Díaz marked an outstanding individual performance with an early goal to put Real one goal ahead at half-time. A few minutes after the interval, Atlético believed that they'd equalized after Stefan Savić headed the ball into the net from Antoine Griezmann header. However, it did not count as a VAR check revealed that Atlético midfielder Saúl Ñíguez was offside.
Although Real continued to dictate play and control proceedings, they would eventually be shockingly denied all three points in stoppage time. Marcos Llorente's goal ensure that if nothing else, Atlético would at least put the brakes on Real's league title bid and prevent them from taking advantage of Girona's prior 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad.
However, this result did not benefit either team. Atlético are attempting to stay in the top four and thereby clinch a spot in next season's Champions League. This derby draw saw their lead over fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao cut to three points after the Basque club destroyed Mallorca 4-0. While it's certainly not time to panic yet, Atlético's 11-year Champions League qualification streak is now in actual jeopardy.
In truth, Atlético can count themselves rather fortunate to have managed a draw. Most of the time, being outplayed by such a clear margin would result in a decisive loss. The match against Real highlighted several issues which have plagued Atlético all season long. As has so often been the case this season, Atlético allowed their opponents the freedom to create far too many goalscoring opportunities. While they might have been let off the hook this time, that won't always be the case - indeed, it's exactly this which has cost them many points this season.
One-on-one defense has also been a problem for Atlético this season. In this match, Real's first goal was a direct result of sub-par one-on-one defense. Twice during the build-up, a Real player was left with way too much room, allowing them to set up the next pass in the move which led to Brahim's opening goal. Historically speaking, this has been something of an outlier as ever since Diego Simeone first took over in the dugout back in 2011. Simeone's tactics have always favoured a tight defensive approach - the squads of 2014 to 2021 almost never committed such errors like that.
Atlético's dismal away form has to be their biggest cause for concern. While every team does perform better at home, Atlético have amassed just 14 of their 48 league points on the road. Should they continue to hand out cheap points left, right, and centre while on their travels, it certainly won't be easy to hang on to fourth place in the league.
Of course, there's still time for Atlético to right the ship and solidify their place in the top four. They are yet to play Barcelona and Girona for the second time in the league this season. Additionally, a deep Champions League run is still not out of the question; however, Atlético are the clear underdogs heading into their round of 16 tie against Inter Milan. Unless things change soon, this could end up becoming perhaps Atlético's most disappointing season of the hitherto tremendously successful Simeone era.
At this moment, Atlético Madrid have achieved more than enough in recent times to have earned themselves the benefit of the doubt. However, ultimately sports is about "what have you done for me lately?" Atlético just aren't the force they were even three years ago. It's clear that if they have to keep relying on stronger rivals failing to finish the job, it will likely not end well for them this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment