Atlético closes the year on solidity

The wall built by Michaelfive players in midfield and four in defense. Atlético landed in Girona with determination, like a sharp machete cutting its way through the thickets. The Catalans sought the armistice on the basis of possession, numerous touches in their own field which however did not tame the red and white, voracious in the race, quick to reach the goal defended by Gazzaniga. Was kokewith a missile, which did justice to what was seen in the first 13 minutes. A very long possession for Simeone’s men ended in a terrible clearance from the Girona defense, which went straight to the captain’s feet, his strike from the edge of the box beautiful and powerful, inaccessible to any human. The ball went into the corner and Atlético affectionately surrounded its leader on the pitch.

The goal against did not change the plans of the locals, determined to take risks with the ball, to reach the territory of Oblak based on a lot of touch. Indeed, the Slovenian goalkeeper had to make an extraordinary, almost inhumane save after a point-blank shot from his former teammate. WitselThe Belgian was very opportunistic after a confused play in the area. A hard blow that was followed by another athletic setback, with Nico González injured in the back of the thigh while running after the ball. Gallagherhis usual replacement in recent weeks, jumped onto the field to occupy the left wing.

Girona, more precise and more subtle, had stabilized the rhythm of the match, writing the scenario even if it did not damage the athletic structure, reliable in the retreat and when closing the paths to his goal, Pubill and Hancko very well coordinated, a central couple that will be difficult to break. And in the middle of this tense calm, the red and white team widened the gap. Gallagher faced from the left and struck with intent, boosted by fortune as Blind’s leg turned his trajectory into a devilish one. HAS Gazzaniga All he had to do was watch as 0-2 was established on the Montilivi scoreboard, while the visitors returned to the locker room with smiles, knowing that they had come close to perfection in the first 45 minutes.

The break did not make Atlético complacent, very ambitious, capable of chaining attacks against Girona’s weak defense. In attack, at least, the locals stretched out, more incisive thanks to the departure of Asprilla and the substantial improvement of Tsygankov on the left side. Michel upped the ante by withdrawing Bryan Gilbut the visitors were immobile, they managed the ball with great intelligence and cut off any threat of danger in time. Barrios perfectly embodied all the virtues executed by his team, seeded with the midfielder this season, while Sorloth And Julian They flirted with a third goal that would almost seal the victory.

The ownership of Llorente, who returned to the eleven after being injured since November 23, also brought a lot of security to Atlético. With Nahuel, the team had suffered, Simeone worried when his compatriot went up in attack and neglected his back. On the other hand, the Madrilenian is pure superiority, an overwhelming physique, and on Catalan lands he shone once again. More worrying was Girona’s performance, listless and disconnected from their own supporters, unable to improve even with relegation on their heels every weekend.

A great opportunity to Darkarrested again by a Oblak impassable, he lit the fuse, he taught Michel’s men how to harm their rivals. Relying on crosses, a systematic bombardment, and thanks to Asprilla’s blunders on the right wing, the Gironese dreamed of a hopeful goal. Simeone tempered the situation and brought Griezmann, Almada And The Normanbreak and technique to retain the ball amid escalating tension, despite Gallagher, one of the substitutes, showing his anger at his coach’s plan.

However, Atlético did not achieve the expected result, forced to survive in the last five minutes in which the Girona He exerted slight dominance, although in football terms he seemed very fair. It’s at that moment Griezmann extended his fantastic streak in front of goal after a big wall with Scraperdelicious oriented control and unattainable long stick definition. The Frenchman’s action marked the end of hostilities, with Atlético proud to have closed the year with a new victory and Girona pessimistic, needing winter reinforcements and a renewed mentality to face a second part of the season which could be very long.