By Kaustubh Ashtikar 15th August 2018
As we experienced last night!
Atlético Madrid finally got their own back on Real Madrid after a 2-4 win over their local rivals after extra time of UEFA Super Cup 2018.
The match had a fast start after Diego Costa scored just after 50 seconds of play from a long pass and defensive errors by Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane helping him to fire over Keylor Navas to them a 1-0 lead. Los Blancos’ response was calm and fluidic as they tried to get on level terms with some really good build-up play and patient attacks. In the 27th minute, Gareth Bale decided to go for his signature right wing dash and provided a beautiful cross, curling away from the Atléti goalie, to Karim Benzema who headed it calmly for 1-1.
Real Madrid were looking really good with some beautiful possessional plays and high press when off the ball. They were set when they were awarded a penalty when Juanfran handled the ball inside the box and Ramos slotted the penalty with relative ease to give them a 1 goal lead. However, with continuous pressing and almost opposite of Atlético’s natural game, they went on for the equalizer and were successful to get it on the 79th minute.
There was no looking back for Los Colchoneros after that as they began to trouble the tired legs of the Real Madrid players and pushed on for the winner. Saúl Ñíguez and Koke got the 3rd and 4th goal for Atléti and was enough for them to win the UEFA Super Cup.
It was not an ideal start for Real Madrid and Julen Lopetegui after the departure Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. The scoreline did not do the justice to the fluidic gameplay but small defensive lapses were enough to cause this humiliation. Now, more than ever determination is required by the players to understand and gel in with the system of Lopetegui. The management has also some make or break decisions. Only 15 days are remaining for this summer transfer window, fans are hopeful of some new signings but ultimately the decision is management’s and board’s to make.
What do you say, does this game show what our season will be? Or it will be a lesson for the squad to improve and get better? We are in for an exciting ride, be patient, be calm and scream
¡Hala Madrid!
Lopteleugi has to be aware about the subs.. Late night defeat was clearly on the subs used. It's a start up of new season.
ReplyDeleteHope for the best.
#halamadrid
Hope for the best #HalaMadrid
DeleteA really good read.
ReplyDeleteLopetegui's already shouldering the pressure and responsibility of managing one of the most successful and decorated club of recent era. We madridistas should be patient and shouldn't be judgemental at all, for now at least. I'm quite hopeful that we'll be seeing the positive results in the coming days.
Yeah, improvements will be there. We'll have to wait patiently!
DeleteRoom for improvement.. Finally playing some attractive football
ReplyDeleteYeah, the is improving for sure!
Delete