Atlético stifle flimsy Real Madrid and move ahead in LaLiga | OneFootball

If any Madridista, at this point in the 21st century, thought that going to the Metropolitano was like spending a lazy Sunday after lunch by the pond in Retiro Park, they’ve probably learned by now what it’s all about: it’s war. Always. Year after year. With a bit of luck, Vinicius, Bellingham, Yan Diomandé and Mbappé have finally understood it once and for all. Atlético dispatched a transparent, directionless, badly positioned and utterly uncompetitive Real Madrid (2-1), moved ahead of their city rivals in the league, and left Mourinho’s side six points behind Barcelona before September is even over. It’s still summer and binoculars are already needed on Concha Espina.

Putting on the red-and-white shirt and seeing the team in white in front of you has always made your eyes fill with blood, since time immemorial. It used to be the same with Real Madrid players, but not anymore. Mourinho’s men came out incredibly sluggish at the Metropolitano, and Atlético’s intensity—allowed by a referee who handled his cards at first like a schoolkid with a pack of Sugus candies at recess—was too much for them to swallow.

Challenges, complaints, arguments, waving arms... There wasn’t much football played with the ball in the first half, even fewer chances, and the word danger vanished off the map. Atlético, with that Cholo-style intensity stitched into the badge, turned the pitch into a minefield against a Real Madrid side where Tchouameni and Valverde don’t even need a table, because the two of them cancel each other out all by themselves by getting in each other’s way, blocking passing lanes and drawing opponents into their area, and where only Arda Güler provided the occasional drop of clarity. Mbappé? Probably busy demanding Ballons d’Or in some interview.

Atlético, with Cardoso playing vacuum cleaner in midfield, tried to break through with Kang-in, but the Korean was extraordinarily selfish and every move died from one touch too many, one dribble too many, whatever it was, it was too much. He had one extra of everything.

The blatant penalty and red card for Huijsen after pulling down Giuliano Simeone right at the start of the second half decided the match. Grimaldo converted it and Madrid vanished. Mourinho, who also took off Güler to plug the hole in defense with Rüdiger, brought on Yan Diomandé for an ineffective, yet again, Vinicius, but the Ivorian came on just to stroll around. Another one who clearly hasn’t been told what a derby is. He forgot to track back and press, Giuliano delivered a peach into the heart of the six-yard box, and Jonathan David smashed home the second. Game over. Meanwhile, Carlos Espí was still there on the bench.

Atlético, with the slope now in their favor, grabbed Madrid by the lapels and shook them around at will. Madrid looked like a punching bag, taking blow after blow with not the slightest sign of life in them. Saying they had grit might even be generous. To give you an idea: a Diomandé shot in the 77th minute after a mistake by a shaky Cuti Romero, Atlético’s worst player, was only Madrid’s second shot on target in the entire match. You read that right: 77th minute. From their third, Rüdiger scored from a set piece to put a bit of makeup on the mess and add some tension to stoppage time.

Neither Ancelotti, nor Xabi, nor Arbeloa, nor now Mourinho have managed to find the right formula. Maybe the problem lies with the ones wearing the printed squad numbers. The exact opposite of what happens at Atlético, where they may be better or worse, luckier or unluckier, but they believe in their coach’s idea and give everything they’ve got. For now, enough to sit above Madrid in the table.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.