By all accounts, last night’s 1-0 win over Juventus was far from a classic encounter, but after losing their opening game away in Greece, Atletico Madrid claimed a priceless win over the Italian champions.
The Bianconeri arrived in the Spanish capital unbeaten domestically and with victory over Malmo a fortnight ago, they would have been full of confidence. Massimiliano Allegri insisted that they came to Madrid to win, but for all their possession, they were unable to break Diego Simeone’s men down.
While some criticised the approach from the reigning La Liga champions, it was arguably a tactic born out of necessity as opposed to choice. With the visitors having won all of their games this season and not conceded a single goal, a second consecutive loss would have been catastrophic for last year’s finalists.
Simeone opted to ensure that they kept a solid shape in order to frustrate the visitors, and ultimately his game-plan paid dividends with Arda Turan securing a much-needed victory.
Nevertheless, given the nature of the game and the opposition, it was an important test for Atleti to pass. Both teams pride themselves on high intensity and strength, and typically Simeone’s men tend to win those duels in particular.
The Argentine tactician was delighted with the effort displayed by his team, but essentially it is nothing new as Atleti have made the ability to grind out victories a hallmark of their play.
While both Real Madrid and Barcelona will inevitably steal the headlines with their individual talent and expansive football, the Spanish champions have certain characteristics which make them captivating in their own way.
Some may perceive it as a negative style of football, but ultimately, it is a way of winning and Simeone has perfected it. However, it never ceases to amaze how finely in-tune his players are with the culture he has instilled at the club.
Allegri conceded that their opponents did exceptionally well to shut down space and defend, and while many will criticise that defensive-minded approach, particularly at home, it should be respected given the results it has brought in recent years.
Regardless, Group A is finely poised ahead of the third round of fixtures, with all four teams now on three points. With the loss to Olympiacos behind them, Atleti will fancy their chances of taking maximum points from a double header with Malmo, and perhaps the schedule has worked out well.
Styles and tactics aside, it would have undoubtedly taken great resolve to bounce back from that opening loss. Atleti have proven themselves against one of the strongest teams in Europe and that last year was no fluke, and Simeone will now hope to see the same application at Valencia on Saturday.
