While their city rivals chase a remarkable six trophies this season, Atletico Madrid were hoping to crash their party early at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
A 1-1 draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg on Friday, but ultimately Diego Simeone’s side will be the happier of the two as they look forward to potentially delivering another trophy in front of their own supporters.
Summer signing James Rodriguez came off the bench to score for the hosts, who in truth perhaps deserved the victory. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical switches changed the pace of the game and aside from some wasteful finishing, they looked in control.
Nevertheless, as part of the culture and style that Simeone has installed at Atleti, the players demonstrated their never-say-die attitude as Garcia silenced the home supporters late on whilst sending the small pocket of away fans into delirium.
The visitors were compact throughout and tried to contain their rivals, and it is likely to be a similar scenario in the second leg given their slight advantage and the quality that Real Madrid possess.
However, that can’t be seen as a criticism as it has become a cornerstone of their recent success. Organisation, tireless effort and efficiency in front of goal are fundamental to Simeone’s ideology, and it continues to bring them deserved success.
After such important changes to the squad over the summer, it will also perhaps take time for the new signings to settle and showcase their individual quality. Although, it didn’t take long for the likes of Mario Mandzukic to display the battling attitude that Simeone demands, with Sergio Ramos lucky to avoid a dismissal in their second-half altercation.
In addition, Ancelotti’s decision to start with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso could also be interpreted as a sign of respect as they looked to compete in the midfield battle. However, the introduction of James and Angel Di Maria in particular showed signs of better success from an offensive point of view.
From a Real Madrid perspective that will be a change the Italian Coach will consider this week, but having strengthened what was arguably already the strongest squad in Europe, Ancelotti will take comfort in the knowledge that he has several match-winners at his disposal.
Although they will need to score at the Vicente Calderon, the tie is undoubtedly still in the balance. If they are able to impose themselves in a similar fashion and dictate the tempo, then they will be confident of finding a way to break through the Atleti rearguard.
Nevertheless, it will be another intricate chess game on Friday night, but before the tactics and systems are discussed, Real Madrid must be prepared to match the determination and will of their city rivals and that is easier said than done.
