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In the last breath Atlético lost second place, a consolation prize to confirm that they were the best team in the league after the World Cup break. A goal from Pascual, which saw the Rojiblancos challenge Morata for a foul early in the game, prevented Simeone’s men from winning in a duel with many alternatives.
2
Jorgensen, Kiko Femenía (Jorge Cuenca, min. 45), Mandi (Mojica, min. 85), Alberto Moreno (Jorge Pascual, min. 85), Pau Torres, Trigueros (Giovani Lo Celso, min. 66), Chukwueze (Álex Baena, Min. 66), Yeremy Pino, Capoue, Parejo and Nicolas Jackson
2
Ivo Grbic (Antonio Gomis, min. 84), Reguilón (Morata, min. 84), Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina, Witsel, Savic, Saúl, Pablo Barrios Rivas, Koke, Correa (Lemar, min. 84) and Griezmann
Goals 1-0 mins 9: Nicholas Jackson. 1-1 min 18: straps. 1-2 min 55: straps. 2-2 mins 92: Jorge Pascual.
referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea
Yellow cards Alberto Moreno (min. 36), Capoue (min. 39), Pablo Barrios Rivas (min. 68), Álex Baena (min. 75) and Correa (min. 76)
Red cards for Witsel (min. 70)
The fire was opened by Villarreal, helped by a poor performance by newcomer Barrios. The boy turned a header kick into an assist for Jackson. The Senegalese defeated Grbic with a powerful cross shot. The goal confirmed Villarreal’s initial ball superiority. Setien’s tics appear to have already been vaccinated. A team that is not ashamed of their players stepping on the ball without taking a step, waiting for the opponent’s attack or a clear clearance to speed up the game. In return, Atlético decided to make changes. From one that ended in Nahuel, Molina scraped a side free kick. The execution was exceedingly picaresque. With Villarreal’s defense sunk on the edge of the small area, Griezmann fired a low scepter in front of the penalty spot where Correa seemed to score with a subtle touch from the inside.
From another quick Atlético attack came the barefoot dog, whose hands got into the penalty area. A Saúl header from close range saved Jorgensen. The ball fell to Griezmann and his shot didn’t go in because Mandi dived and the ball hit his arm without it resting on the ground. The VAR didn’t even call the referee, a decision that once again shows the existing division in refereeing, reflected in the different criteria applied week to week. Capoué ended an entertaining first act with whiplash on the traverse.
The second was even better because Atlético took a step forward. He wanted more ball without losing sight of the counter space. And he found them with a perfect performance after a steal from Koke, a long shot from Hermoso at Griezmann and the last pass from him to Correa. Reguilón was able to finish the game before Witsel was sent off with 20 minutes to go. It was the moment for Grbic, who maintained the result with three saves before being substituted through injury.
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