By Neel Shelat
Atléti out to complete the job they accepted
After all, no crew can ever be fully happy with defeat, however Atlético Madrid appeared to be content material sufficient with holding a one-goal margin within the scoreline final week. Diego Simeone’s choice to exchange Antoine Griezmann with centre-back Robin Le Normand within the 71st minute actually prompt that, and it was the hosts who got here closest to scoring the fourth aim of the match.
Atlético are famed for his or her defensive decision and skill to carry on to slender leads, however the flip aspect of that’s that they don’t have lots of expertise in overturning first leg deficits. The truth is, they’ve solely ever finished so as soon as within the UEFA Champions League, although they did handle to win two different such ties on penalties.
Metropolitano a troublesome venue even for Actual Madrid
For the reason that Metropolitano Stadium opened in 2017, it has confirmed to be a really powerful venue for Actual Madrid. Los Blancos have solely gained twice of their 9 visits to the bottom and have been defeated twice final season, in LaLiga in addition to the Copa del Rey. Additionally they suffered disappointment on Atlético’s residence turf earlier this time period when Ángel Correa scored an equaliser deep into stoppage-time to cap off a really tense match that was additionally interrupted because of fan dysfunction.
This would be the first Euroderbi on the Metropolitano, and hopefully will probably be a memorable one for sporting causes.
Actual higher rested from the weekend
Each of Spain’s premier capital golf equipment are in for a really busy conclusion to the season as they’re within the hunt for all three main trophies. So, participant load administration will probably be an particularly huge issue within the the rest of their campaigns. For this match, it appears Actual Madrid may need the higher hand in that respect.
Between their Euroderbi legs, either side had powerful league fixtures final weekend as they confronted different regional rivals. Actual Madrid managed to return away with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano whereas rotating about half of their aspect, however Atléti suffered a dramatic defeat to Getafe by the identical scoreline regardless of solely making a few adjustments to their line-up. Worse but for them, Clément Lenglet felt a difficulty within the warm-up and Rodrigo De Paul picked up a knock and went off at half-time.
Extra moments of particular person brilliance in a extra open sport?
The story of the primary leg was of three targets borne out of moments of particular person high quality. The remainder of the sport was fairly cagey as Atlético notably appeared to maintain issues tight and Actual have been cautious of freely giving something cheaply. Simeone’s aspect will seemingly have to return out of their shell extra on this match, so we may properly get a extra open encounter that provides the famous person forwards extra alternatives to showcase their brilliance.
Prediction
Atlético are unlikely to overcommit, so a good sport needs to be anticipated. Actual are actually not wanting high quality, so they may properly do sufficient to return away with a 1-1 draw.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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