Report: Two mistakes cost Atlético their Supercopa hopes | OneFootball

It couldn't be. The Spanish Super Cup in Arabia has passed without much fanfare for Atlético de Madrid, who once again fall short at the first hurdle after losing 1-2 to Real Madrid. A series of self-inflicted errors and lack of decisiveness condemned us in a match that could have gone to penalties, as we fought until the last moment to score the equalizer.

The first mistake came right at the start of the match. A rather questionable foul was called at the edge of the area, by Gallagher on Bellingham. A direct free kick allowed Valverde to blast past Oblak, who, it must be said, poorly positioned the wall, leaving the entire goalkeeper's side open for the Uruguayan midfielder. A glaring error that the Uruguayan did not waste.

Two minutes in and we were already rowing against the tide. From there, total control of the game by Atlético and the opportunities, which were missed one after another. Especially when, half an hour into the game, Sørloth headed a lateral cross high, alone at the far post. A goal that seemed certain but Asencia, after glancing it, deflected just enough for the Norwegian not to finish comfortably.

The control was with Atlético, who sought to equalize the semifinal. Although Madrid could have sealed the deal in the first half, with opportunities for Rodrygo and Vinicius, without managing to score against Oblak, who also managed to thwart some of the white team's chances. There were also opportunities for Baena, Simeone, or Gallagher, who besieged Courtois' goal just before halftime… without success.

Goals, Emotion, and Goodbye to the Super Cup

The second half began with chances for Atlético, with Rüdiger clipping the wings of La Araña, after a dangerous cross from Ruggeri, who was active throughout the match until his substitution by Molina. But an error by Banea led to a clear ball exit for Madrid, in which Valverde found Rodrygo, who ended up winning the race against Le Nomard and finishing decisively against Oblak, putting the second goal on the scoreboard and making things very difficult. Atlético saw how Madrid was approaching the Super Cup final.

But two minutes later, a great cross from Giuliano Simeone, who did what he does best, breaking down the wing, connected with Sørloth's head, who narrowed the gap. Just at the moment the team needed it. Just when we had taken the blow of the second goal, we managed to narrow the gap on the scoreboard.

Changes came, trying to give the team more momentum, but except for a volley shot by Griezmann, from a cross by Hancko, and a last play by Julián in injury time, we couldn't put Courtois under pressure and the chance for an equalizer vanished amid general fatigue and Madrid's staunch defense.

In the end, a 1-2 defeat. A result that, beyond leaving us out of the fight for the first title of the year, leaves us with many reflections ahead. First, that this team desperately needs Barrios, just as we need a healthy Koke, and his absence is greatly felt in playmaking.

This also leaves us with another reflection. We need a full-back, who if can play as a center-back, all the better, just as we need a playmaking midfielder, because if we can't count on Barrios or Koke due to injury or suspension, goodbye and good luck.

Baena needs help, La Araña needs to be closer to the area, we need to give this team a push in the winter market. That the results, at least, lead us to reinforce the team in the most important stretch of the season.

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