Atletico hold on for the three points

Following a 1-1 draw last time out, Simeone's men were hoping to get their first three points of the season in front of the Wanda Metropolitano crowd. The challengers: newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano. 

Both sides fielded strong teams, with Rodri coming back into the Atleti midfield and fellow new signings Gelson Martins and Kalinic starting from the bench. 

The game began with an electric pace; Atleti bombarded the Rayo box with a succession of long-range shots, though none tested goalkeeper Alberto Garcia. Meanwhile, at the other end, Embarba and Trejo both missed half-chances for 'Los Franjirrojos'. 

The game then looked to turn in Atletico's favour. With the side's impressive spine of Griezmann, Saúl and Godín, 'Los Rojiblancos' bossed possession for a while. Yet, Rayo managed to rebuff any advances with a string of crosses and corners being cleared without much trouble. 

Drama hit before half-time, as Rayo Vallecano saw a penalty shout denied by VAR following an alleged handball. 

Simeone's teamtalk must have worked wonders, as Atleti looked more clinical at the start of the second half. A number of goalmouth scrambles occured, before finally, in the 63rd minute, 'Los Rojiblancos' made it 1-0 thanks to a goal from World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann. 

Koke floated a corner into the box, which was headed on by Savic to a waiting Griezmann, who, with his back to goal, managed to squeeze the ball beyond Garcia in the Rayo Vallecano goal. 

From this point, the match looked as if it might turn on its head as Rayo pressed for an equaliser. Atleti looked rather shaky defensively as Monchí's side piled forward in numbers. Full-back Moreno sent several teasing crosses into the area but no one could connect, before the excellent Advincula came even closer on the volley from a corner. 

More pressure was exerted on Godin and Savic as Rayo continued to attack, and perhaps the best chance for an equaliser came when Saúl brought down Moreno on the edge of the 18-yard box. Embarba stepped up for the free kick, but his powerful strike ended up too central and an easy save for a goalkeeper of Oblak's stature. 

Atletico managed to ride out the danger as Trejo also came close with a header in the 90th minute, and pick up their first win of the season as they hope to take home the La Liga title next summer. 

 

25 August 2018