Athletic Club – Atlético Madrid: Lifeless Atlético Madrid Dominated By Aggressive Athletic Club (2-0)

Once again, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid failed to show any signs of life in a LaLiga match this season, with the side looking aimless and without direction. They lacked the organization necessary to beat Athletic Club’s press, and were not able to handle how Marcelino’s players spaced themselves when Athletic Club was on the ball.

Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley. 

Marcelino’s Athletic Club have little left to play for this season, with the club coming into Matchday 34 seven points back from sixth-placed Real Sociedad. There is a small chance that Athletic Club could play European football next season, but it would take some serious bottling from a few of the clubs that are higher in the table than they are. This, along with Marcelino set to be leaving the club in the summer, gave the team little motivation for the remaining games in LaLiga. 

Athletic Club were without Oihan Sancet and Asier Villalibre for the match against Atlético Madrid, with the two being the club’s only notable players missing the fixture. As per usual, Marcelino lined up his side in his favored 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Unai Simón in between the sticks. Óscar de Marcos, Yeray Álvarez, Iñigo Martínez, and Yuri Berchiche made up the back four, with Nico Williams, Dani García, Mikel Vesga, and Iker Muniain making up the four in midfield. Iñaki Willaims and Raúl García formed the partnership up front. 

Atlético Madrid are still fighting to stay in the top four, with Diego Simeone’s side only four points above fifth-placed . . .