Seven years had passed since Atlético de Madrid had not qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League as first in the group. In that 2016/2017 season, the red and white team reached the semifinals to be finally eliminated by Real Madrid.
Many things have changed since then. Many players have come and gone, but Atleti can finally establish themselves, once again, as a true contender to go far in the top club competition by dispatching a Lazio that did not hesitate to give up when the match went uphill.
The match started with a very clear dominance of Atlético de Madrid, who were very clear that an early goal could be their best option to ensure a favorable result, and that objective would be met in the 6th minute. The high pressure led to a play by Samu Lino on the left wing, finding a precise back pass for Griezmann to score with the inside of his right foot. As always, with exquisite technique, the Frenchman scored his 171st goal with Atlético de Madrid, placing himself just two away from Don Luis Aragonés’ record.
‘Cholo’ Simeone withdrew his troops for the rest of the first half, and despite the Romans trying to besiege the red and white goal, Atlético was able to keep the rival score at zero until half-time.
The mattress team almost increases its distance at the edge of the intermission. A fantastic cross by Nahuel Molina found an unexpected adventurer: Mario Hermoso, who connected with his left foot to masterfully beat Provedel, but the referee annulled the goal due to an obvious positional offside by Samu Lino, who for the only time in His tremendous game was found in the wrong place.
Atlético returned from the locker room with two changes: Depay and Söyüncü for Griezmann and Giménez. Neither of them could downplay the obvious and only protagonist of the match: Samu Lino. The Colchoneros’ second goal came, again in the 6th minute, this time in the second half, from a perfect volley by the Brazilian, who played a match worthy of any legend of Atleti, the Champions League, or football in general.
After the second goal, the Metropolitano went to sleep. The lullaby that Simeone and Sarri sang making all their changes before the 70th minute ensured a satisfactory result for both. Lazio lowered their arms and the red and white team was completely satisfied, having completed a group stage that was not perfect, but perfectly adequate.
Atlético de Madrid says goodbye to the current format of the Champions League group stage with resounding success. On Monday he will meet his next rival in the Champions League round of 16. The team has already gotten rid of the ‘Cholo’ of Manchester City, Bayern or Arsenal, and any runner-up will want to avoid Atleti in the round of 16, that is, if they maintain the fantastic effectiveness that he has shown in these first months of the season.
2023-12-13 22:13:24
#Atleti #returned #victory #Lazio #group #Champions #League #years