Angel Correa struck deep into injury time as Atletico Madrid secured what could prove to be a pivotal win over
Atlético Madrid recorded a slender 1-0 win over Athletic Club at San Mamés courtesy of the late strike from Ángel Correa. It was tactically disciplined and solid in defense as both sides struggled to fashion very few clear-cut opportunities. Still now, it is Correa’s goal deep into added time that seals it for Atletico, taking all three points back to Bilbao and boosting the season in La Liga.
First half: A tactical battle
The teams had been prudent in the opening period of the match as they took more care about their back four rather than flair in attack. At home, the Athletic Club tried to dominate, but Atletico Madrid-just as had happened almost every time Diego Simeone was commanding them-focused also on strong solidity at the back.
With 53%, the lion’s share of possession belonged to Athletic Club, who were unable to find a way to pierce this well-drilled rear guard of Atletico. The first half of the match was at a premium for chances as both sides were limited to shots from outside the box and set pieces. They dominated possession, yet it describes Athletic Club’s difficulties when penetrating the Atletico defense that they had only one shot on target.
ATK-avant counter-attackers had tried catching Athletic Club on the break; however, home defense was clear-cut in ensuring that they never allowed even a sniff to the visitors of one clear-cut opportunity to change the scoreline in the first half. With both teams heading into the break with the scoreline still goalless as testament to an even first 45 minutes of football, they entered the field for the second half knowing that there’s everything to play for.
Second Half: Substitutions and Tactical Shifts
That changed in the second half of the game as both managers looked to ring tactical substitutions in a bid to try and force a breakthrough. Both Rodrigo De Paul, Riquelme, and Alexander Sorloth came into the action for Atlético Madrid as fresh legs and more creative punch in the midfield and strike lines. The changes gave Atletico another dimension as the men from the capital began to push up a little bit.
Athletic Club added some fresh attacking options, including U. Gomez and A. Berenguer, as they looked to inject some real pace and creativity into their forward line. The home side continued bossing possession but found it increasingly hard to break down the organised rearguard of Atletico.
The match was starting to open up; either side-after the late winner-pegged Atletico Madrid back for large parts of the game, finding and exploiting pockets of space left by the on-rushing Athletic Club players. It was through this change in dynamic that allowed Atletico to fashion a few more chances, most notably through Correa and Sorloth.
Turning Point of the Match: Correa’s Goal in Extra Time
And with the match nearing its end, it was set to be a goalless draw. But finally, Atletico Madrid broke through in the dying moments of the game. In the 90+2 minutes, as a substitute, a contact from Angel Correa delivered another crucial blow.
It was a goal intricately crafted through a quick counter-attack, typical of Atletico under Simeone. A swift break saw Alexander Sorloth lay a perfect pass to Correa, who was inside the penalty box in a good position. He kept his cool as he slotted the ball past Athletic Club’s keeper to hand Atletico Madrid a 1-0 lead.
That finally sent the home crowd into stunned silence as Athletic Club had no more time to seek their equalizer. Though trying to push forward in the final minutes, the defense of Atletico stood firm as they managed to walk away with a hard-earned victory.
Key Statistics and Match Analysis
Statistics from the match depicted how tight the affair was, as both teams each had 9 total shots. Atletico Madrid managed to capitalize on one of the few clear-cut chances and took home all three points. Athletic Club had 53% possession and completed 583 passes to Atletico’s 522, showing dominance in controlling the play but without the needed cutting edge in the final third.
Atletico had chiefly been solid in defence-17 clearances and 16 interceptions with the team neutrally threatening Athletic Club on many occasions. Again, it showed how disciplined Atletico has been in withstanding pressure and hitting on the counter.
Conclusion: A Vital Victory for Atletico Madrid
This was this late winner from Angel Correa against Athletic Club, epitomizing the resilience and tactical discipline that has defined Atletico Madrid; this victory now turns into an important result for Diego Simeone’s side during a season when they are hot on the heels of glory in LaLiga. The fact that Atletico manages to grind out results on most occasions-even tough away fixtures-underlines their credential as title contenders.
It wasn’t easy on the palate for the Athletic Club as they had dominated throughout, yet that control was never translated into goals. Finally, it told how much the Athletic Club would have to sharpen up their attack if they are to challenge the cream of LaLiga.
Forward Look
This result now sets the stage as Atletico Madrid tries to keep their momentum in the league. The coming fixtures now become very vital as to where their title ambitions lie. For Athletic Club, it meant going back to the drawing board to work out how to make possession pay in front of the goal. The Basques have proved that they can hold their own against the very best but must find a way of turning those performances into points if they are to challenge for European places come this season.
It’s another chapter in the already storied rivalry between Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club, with reminders of drama and unpredictability that make LaLiga one of the most thrilling professional leagues anywhere in the world.
To read more about the related article, click here
