The tragedy of Valencia focuses the spirit and mind of the Metropolitan. Thousands of Atlético de Madrid fans, as well as those from Las Palmas, flood their surroundings with solidarity, providing tons of help for those affected. The announced minute of silence before the start of the match acquires a high degree of emotion when the chords of the Valencian Community anthem merge with the heartfelt ovation of the red-and-white fiefdom. At the same time, local soccer players carry two banners from the athletic clubs in Paiporta and Utiel.
The ball rolls and, at least for ninety minutes, the focus is on the grass. The cheering crowd maintains its strike due to the punishment of five away games without selling tickets by the club. Until the decision is rectified or the sanction is fulfilled, with still three games left, the visiting fans will continue to be the ones making the most noise. Simeone repeats defense of four, recovers Lenglet and Barrios in the eleven, and places Lino and his son Giuliano on the bands. The depth that the Argentine provides on the right becomes Atlético’s main weapon. After three minutes, he manages to find the back of Álex Muñoz, although his dangerous cross is repelled by Cillessen.
Diego Martínez’s men assume greater control of the ball, but the only chances are those in red and white. A cross from Griezmann from the left towards Julián Álvarez hits McKenna’s arm. De Burgos Bengoetxea no penalty is awarded, despite angry local protests. Iglesias Villanueva warns otherwise from the VAR and asks his teammate to review the play, but the Biscayan, in an unusual exercise of personality, maintains his opinion that the Scot’s arm is in a natural position and does not signal anything.
A precise wall between Fábio Silva and Sandro allows the Portuguese to get in front of Oblak, the first chance for the Canaries, although his shot is cleared without excessive problems by the Slovenian. But the one who hits first is Atlético. Galán and Lino try from the left, but the real danger comes from the right. A great delivery from Molina sends the team running for the umpteenth time. Giulianothis time ready to finish the play. The Argentine’s speed and good definition allow Simeone’s team to get ahead on the scoreboard. He celebrates his scoring debut with the red and white shirt alongside captain Koke, both displaying a shirt sending strength and encouragement in Valencian. In the last play of the first half, it is Barrios who goes deep on the right and finds Griezmannwhose shot hits the crossbar.
After the break, Simeone decides to leave the Atlético youth squad on the bench and use De Paul, a change that is not to the liking of the Colchonera parish. Minutes later, the Argentine filters a great ball that leaves Molina hand in hand with Cillessen. The Dutchman steps forward and takes possession of the ball, although the winger’s attempt to finish causes a strong collision with the goalkeeper’s head. He tries to stay on the field, but the concussion suffered forces him to be replaced on a stretcher under the ovation of the Metropolitan, who also remembers his number one public enemy, «Vinicius beach ball» the athletic fans chant.
Always in the eye of the hurricane for his irregular performance and under the noise whenever he doubts more than necessary, By Paul appears with decisive assistance. In an excellent shipment from the Argentine, he finds Sorlothwho stands in front of Horkas. The Norwegian forgets the ghosts of the match against Lille, in which he missed three heads-up, and defines perfectly so that the tranquility of seeing a comfortable score prevails in the Metropolitano.
The gestures of a red-and-white fan towards the Las Palmas fans’ area spark a confrontation with chants from the visitors and which ends with the first one being sent off by Atlético’s security, an episode that captures the attention of the stands in the final stretch of the match. meeting. Atlético breathes with a victory that is as comfortable as it is balsamic, with the aim of changing the negative dynamic in which the team found itself and gaining strength ahead of the visit to PSG on Wednesday. Las Palmas, which has its first defeat under Diego Martínez, remains in relegation.
