A lesson in Realism. Opposed to its neighbor Madrid in the round of 16, Real produced its great classic of the Champions League: a cold, realistic 2-1 victory against Atlético, who had dominated for a long time.
The Santiago Bernabeu stadium pulled out all the stops for this Champions League round of 16 against its Colchoneros neighbors. A Madrid duel, a Spanish duel, but also a 4-4-2 duel and a French duel: Mendy, Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Mbappé wear the colors of the White House, while Lenglet and Griezmann wear the red stripes and Clément Turpin officiates in the refereeing.
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Rodrygo scores on the first opportunity
No observation round between these two teams who know each other by heart. Valverde sends a precise pass behind the defense to Rodrygo. The Brazilian’s talent does the rest and leaves Oblak no chance (3rd, 1-0). The scorer quickly returns to the charge before collapsing in the area in contact with Galan, but Turpin is inflexible and refuses the penalty (6th).
On the side of the field, Diego Simeone gets angry and signals to his men to calm down and get out of their excitement. The colchoneros comply and finally put their foot on the ball to project themselves forward. Atlético approaches its neighbors’ goal, obtaining several corners. But the best opportunity goes to Giuliano Simeone. He overflows and crosses forcefully on the ground in front of Courtois’ cage. Valverde clears at the last minute (22nd).
The match remains generally closed, with two teams well in place. It therefore takes a stroke of genius to unblock the situation. It is signed Julian Alvarez. From the left side, he clears his opponent to curl a shot directly into the top corner of Courtois (33rd, 1-1).
Real Madrid seems powerless against a reassured Atlético who stifles all opposing offensives before occupying the opposing field. Only Valverde manages to get close to Oblak’s goal, but his shot into the side net shows his helplessness (45th).
Returning from the locker room, Mbappé, with a desperate long shot (46th), and Vinicius, with impossible pressing (49th), try to sound the revolt of theirs. But Atlético maintains its territorial ascendancy, to the point of provoking whistles from Santiago Bernabeu. De Paul is served at the penalty spot on a cross from the left. He misses his control, which allows Mendy to counter him (53rd).
Diaz against the run of play
But Real Madrid in the Champions League does not need to dominate, or even play. Against the flow of play, Diaz will provoke to the left of the opponent’s area. He finishes by curling from the right to the ground and sends the ball into the small net (55th, 2-1).
Infuriating for Atlético, who nevertheless had the match in hand. Diego Simeone’s men attack again and Griezmann finds Courtois’ gloves (60th). But the tone begins to rise and the blows rain.
Diego Simeone may have changed everything: his defense, his attack, his system… The momentum has passed. The match ends on a false rhythm where Real Madrid is content to circulate the ball, facing helpless colchoneros.
Second round scheduled for March 12 at the Metropolitano stadium.
