A warning ahead ahead of Anfield trip
Atletico de Madrid could only get a draw against Sevilla. Diego Simeone bet on a rather offensive squad, but his approach was watered down at times. A more than serious warning with Liverpool on the horizon.
After regaining their form with a draw against Valencia at the Mestalla and wins over Liverpool and Villarreal, Atletico Madrid seem to be back to their old ways.
After drawing 1-1 with bottom side Espanyol, Cholo Simeone's charges needed to win and put in a good performance on Saturday.
The rival was Sevilla. It is a good measure for Wanda's team before their match in Anfield, as it is a direct rival in the fight for the access positions to the next Champions League.
In the run-up to the match, the Argentinian coach experimented with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation that seemed to pay off at times, but if Atleti has been a fearsome opponent over the years it has been because of their defensive strength.
As AS pointed out, Cholo's defensive system was not as strong as it should have been, and they conceded two goals this time, for the fifth time in the last six games.
Simeone's attacking bet did not pay off entirely, as a leaky defense allowed Sevilla to equalise and provide too much pressure for his men to react.
In the end, the points were shared, and this could serve as a serious warning for Wednesday's match as Atletico travel to the European champion's stadium.