Getafe – Atlético Madrid: Atléti Make Getafe Pay For Their Missed Chances (0-2)

A contest that evened itself out in the end was very much a game of two halves. Getafe showed their intent to strengthen their Europa League push, but were trumped in the second period as their defensive structure tired. Atleti’s grip on proceedings soon became unrelenting despite the approaching play in the same way they had struggled with in the first half.
Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly.

With only one win in nine games – and that single win coming against their positional rivals – José Bordalás’ side were in dire need of a result to try and afford themselves some breathing space in the hunt for the automatic qualification spots for the Europa League.

Looking to accomplish this, Bordalás named just two changes to the side which suffered a goalless draw at Deportivo Alavés last time out. Those included Hugo Duro replacing Jorge Molina and Jason being replaced by Allan Nyom, who was returning from suspension.

On the opposite side, hoping to continue their outstanding form – as far as their results show – and hoping to trump Sevilla to third place, Diego Simeone named a whopping six changes to the eleven which saw off Real Betis 1-0 at the weekend. The entirety of the back-four was swapped out, with Thomas Partey being replaced by Yannick Carrasco further ahead in the midfield four, and Diego Costa coming in for Álvaro Morata up top.

Getafe refuse to let the visitors settle
As Atléti were handed more of the ball, the home side looked to tightly man those popping up in and around the midfield. This saw their 4-4-2 shape transition initially into a diamond, before then retreating into a 5 . . .