Girona–Atlético Madrid: Simeone’s subs overpower Míchel’s charges (0-4)

After a closely fought first half, Atlético Madrid overpowered Girona in the final thirty minutes of play to finish the season on a high. Diego Simeone’s five substitutes moved Los Rojiblancos up another gear as they continued their high-pressing with added intensity, which allowed them to turn the ball over and create numerous chances to score.

Tactical analysis and match report by David Pugh.

Girona welcomed Atlético Madrid to the Estadio Municipal de Montilivi on the final weekend of the Spanish Primera División.

The Catalans went into the match after losing away at Real Sociedad (3-2) and were looking to put some gloss on an indifferent league campaign, having debuted in the Champions League, knowing that a win could push them up two places to thirteenth, depending on other results.

Meanwhile, Atlético were vying to record back-to-back victories after an emphatic win over Real Betis (4-1) and to finish their season on a high before they head off to the Club World Cup.

Girona boss Míchel Sánchez made two changes to the side that lost at the Reale Arena, with Portu and Arthur Melo replacing Jhon Solís and Iván Martín, as the coach opted for a 4-2-3-1 system. Vladyslav Krapyvtsov kept his place between the posts and he was protected by a back four of Ladislav Krejci, Alejandro Francés, Daley Blind and Arnau Martínez. Arthur Melo and Yangel Herrera were deployed as a double pivot, with Viktor Tsygankov, Yáser Asprilla and Portu supporting Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani.

A . . .