By Neel Shelat
No time for Atlético to lick their wounds after midweek heartbreak
Atlético Madrid suffered yet another Champions League defeat to crosstown rivals Real Madrid in particularly heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday night. After a spirited performance at the Metropolitano to win 1-0 on the night and take the tie to extra time and penalties, a cruel twist of fate saw Julián Alvarez slip just as he took his shot. Although the ball went in, VAR noticed a minute double-touch and had to classify the effort as a miss. Marcos Llorente failed to hit the target when he later had the chance to level it up, and Jan Oblak could not keep out Antonio Rüdiger’s winner despite getting the best part of a hand to it. Once again, it was just not meant to be for Atléti in the Euroderbi.
But, such is the nature of the elite level of football that they have no time to dwell on what might have been. Diego Simeone was seen encouraging his players and rallying the crowd to get behind them post-match, so he surely understands the importance of staying motivated and fighting tooth and nail until the very end.
Atlético making the Metropolitano a fortress
Indeed, Atlético Madrid have built much of their success so far this season on home turf. They are on a 13-match unbeaten run at the Metropolitano that stretches back to last November, with results including wins against tough opponents such as Bayer Leverkusen and Athletic Club. In fact, Atléti are the only team to remain unbeaten at home in the current LaLiga season.
Barcelona stand in Atléti’s way for both domestic titles
Atlético Madrid can now only compete for the league and cup, where Real could well dash their hopes again. First up, though, Los Colchoneros must overcome Barcelona in both competitions. They have already defeated the Catalans in the reverse league fixture with a dramatic stoppage-time winner that propelled them to the top of the standings at the turn of the year. They put up another late show last month to draw 4-4 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, which will be decisively settled early next month.
A clash of different tactical styles
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are sure to adopt very different approaches in this match, just as they have done all season. The hosts’ gameplan is sure to centre around defensive solidity and keeping things tight at the back, whereas Hansi Flick’s side will be much more attack-minded and take bigger risks along the way.
Their two previous encounters this season showed just how differently their matches can turn out. We could very easily get a high-scoring thriller if Atléti are forced out of their shell, but a much quieter game with a couple of decisive moments is just as likely.
Prediction
Only one side has scored in these teams’ last five meetings at the Metropolitano, but that streak could well end on Sunday. The score could be almost anything, but we’ll go for a 2-2 draw.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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