A very dramatic evening in Madrid, and the first of three clashes in 11 days between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona, saw the away side escape with a 2-1 victory to extend their lead in LALIGA after Real Madrid’s loss to Mallorca earlier in the day.
The loss sees Atlético stay on 57 points, which has them one point behind Villareal in third. Villarreal play Girona on Monday.
It’s an unfair result for Atlético. The chances were there for Los Rojiblancos, and had
Simeone’s side not been a man down for 45 minutes, they could have seen a bit more. The match was not without controversy, following a straight red for Nico Gonzalez after a challenge on Lamine Yamal and then an overturned red card where Gerard Martín stepped on Thiago Almada’s ankle.
The drama extended past the red cards, seeing both managers getting yellow cards and Koke picking up a yellow 0f his own following a squabble that began with a rough Dani Olmo challenge on Giuliano Simeone.
After going down to 10, all hope seemed lost, but Atlético de Madrid defended their hearts out in the second half. Even though Robert Lewandowski shouldered in the winner on 86 minutes, this result should give the club some confidence heading into the Champions League tie. If tonight’s match is any indicator, it should be a very dramatic two weeks for both clubs.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from the 2-1 home loss to FC Barcelona.
Player Ratings
Juan Musso: Fantastic save to deny Fermín López’s early chance. Not much more he could have done on Marcus Rashford’s equalizing goal. The Argentine was a nightmare for Ferrán Torres, saving three big chances in the second half. Very unlucky to give up the rebound to Lewandowski for the winner. 7
Nico González: What a horrific night for Nico. Struggled with Lamine for most of his time on the pitch. When he realized he couldn’t stop the attacking pressure on the right with his feet, he decided to use his hands and was promptly given a yellow card for it. Picked up a straight red on a poor challenge on Lamine and was sent off just before half. There has been chatter the Argentine could return to Atlético on a permanent transfer with a reduced fee, but let’s hope that chatter will cease to exist following tonight’s disaster. 0
Robin Le Normand: Made a few good stops early in the match, but was absolutely dreadful on the Rashford goal. 4
Clément Lenglet: Superb assist to send Giuliano through the Barcelona backline to score the opening goal on 38 minutes. What he lacks for in defense, he made up for in long balls down the pitch to try to set up attacks for the Rojiblancos. Similar to Nico, had a very rough time containing Lamine. Already on a yellow, he made way for debutant Taufik Seidu in the 67th minute. 5
Nahuel Molina: Shaky defensively, but provided a bit of creativity on offense when Atlético were in more of an attacking position prior to Nico’s red card. 4
Giuliano Simeone: Fantastic touch and finish to open the scoring in the 39th minute. Ran like a madman and defended well like he normally does. Continues to improve, and that was evident by a clinical finish to open the scoring. Made way for Alexander Sørloth in the 61st minute. 7
Obed Vargas: Solid performance from the Mexico international. He continues to do well with his opportunities and give just enough to a depleted Colchonero midfield. This is the type of performance the former Seattle Sounder can build on. 6
Koke: Another solid outing for the director of the orchestra. Picked up a yellow while defending the big challenge on Simeone and will miss the next league match. Subbed off for Matteo Ruggeri at halftime. 5
Álex Baena: Unlucky to not get an assist on his beautiful ball to Antoine Griezmann with the score at 0-0. Played in a couple of good other solid chances, but could not get any big chance to fall. Solid outing that will not be reflected much on the stat sheet. 6
Thiago Almada: Not a great day for Almada. Several balls went awry and he squandered several great opportunities to begin the match. 3
Antoine Griezmann: Fancy footwork to set up his early chance, but left a bit to be desired on the finish. That’s one he’ll want back and one he should have sent home. Missed another big chance about 15 minutes later on the lovely ball from Baena. Made way for the debutant from Atlético Madrileno, Javi Morcillo, in the 61st minute. 5
Substitutes
Matteo Ruggeri: Came on for Koke at halftime to help contain Lamine Yamal after Nico was sent off. Did well to provide support on the left-hand side. The Italian will start the mid-week Champions League clash following a solid performance tonight. 5
José María Giménez: Brought on to provide defensive stability, and boy did he provide. The Uruguayan made two clearances, won two ground duels and led the back line superbly. 6
Alexander Sørloth: Atlético were unfortunately in a heavy defensive position following Nico’s red card. There weren’t many chances for Sørloth outside of a ball in from Ruggeri in the 85th minute, which the Norwegian couldn’t settle down with his first touch. 5
Javi Morcillo: The first of two Madrileño products came on for Griezmann in the 61st minute. Took just six touches and drawn into defending a lot, given the game’s context. A good opportunity to get some minutes against a top quality team. 5
Taufik Seidu: The 18-year-old academy product made senior team debut, given the midfield woes currently plaguing the side. Solid outing, showed plenty of character, but his yellow card for a late challenge on Pedri might have been avoided. 4
Agree with the ratings? Disagree? Sound off (respectfully) in the comments below!
