Atlético Madrid – Athletic Club: Super Griezmann Saves Atlético Madrid Once Again (1-0)

Goals were never going to flow freely in this match between two sides that have struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks. Athletic Club started off the better side, stumping Atlético Madrid early on with their structured defensive setup. However, Simeone found his way around Valverde’s schemes and gave his side the advantage that would lead to a narrow 1-0 win. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley

Despite being well out of the LaLiga title race, Atlético Madrid still has quite a bit to play for in the domestic competition. They are in a tense battle for a top four spot in LaLiga, coming into their clash with Athletic Club just one point ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis. Diego Simeone’s side has recognized the need to jumpstart their form in the league, and they have gone unbeaten (three wins, two draws) in their last five LaLiga games. At this point it seems that crashing out of the Champions League in the group stage and the Copa del Rey in the round of sixteen was a blessing in disguise, as they need everyone in their thin squad healthy to make the push for a Champions League place next season. 

Veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak started in goal, with Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, José María Giménez, and Reinildo Mandava making up the back line ahead of him. Marcos Llorente, Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, and Yannick Carrasco made up the flat midfield four, with the in-form Antoine Griezmann partnering Angel Correa in attack. 

Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club have been on a poor run as of late, having only won two LaLiga . . .