Atlético de Madrid let three points escape in extra time
The strength of the mattress team, which is the defense, unfortunately this time has failed and has cost them three valuable points. Previously, those of Simeone were characterized by being a rock in defense, but now they bend to any adversity no matter the least.
This is how the cholo has missed three gold points in Mestalla, a match that they had completely resolved until the 91st minute of replacement, from there the match got out of hand and ended with a three-goal tie.
This is how Hugo Duro got a double in the extension time and allowed Valencia to get the two goals they needed to tie the commitment. The truth of this is that Valencia did not deserve the draw it got, but the mattresses did not know how to hold out until the end.
Atlético de Madrid superiority
Before the 91st minute, the match was entirely for Atlético de Madrid, who had been clearly superior in the 90 minutes. A match where thanks to the determination of Griezmann and the mischief of Luis Suárez they had managed to win 1-3 a mark that seemed to be completely defined at minute 90 of the game.
However, the firmness in the offensive part of the team seems not to be enough anymore, since the weakness that Atlético de Madrid shows behind has played a trick on them, and they have received two goals in the last four minutes of play.
So far, Simeone's men have conceded thirteen goals so far this season.
If you make a comparison with last season at this point the team had only conceded three goals.
A very revealing fact of the defensive strength that this team has lost this season and that has already cost them several games.
The rojiblancos were willing to forget their problems in the European competition and thus heal wounds. This time they had Griezmann and Savic again, who could not be at Anfield due to suspension, so this Sunday's team was very simulate the one that thrashed Betis.
That was how the cholo's men felt dominant throughout the game at Mestalla, an extremely difficult field. Valencia had Guedes as their only offensive reference, which made their intentions clear from the beginning.
Game Summary
The home team came out with the mentality of giving the ball to the visitors and leading the way. While Atlético de Madrid with De Paul and Koke in the midfield were quite safe and with everything under control, so much so that up to a total of five players could be seen ahead of the two of them.
There are very few times that Atlético de Madrid is seen with so much dominance in the opposite field. A situation that lasted for most of the game. However, not everything would be so good for the rojiblancos, a clash between Trippier and Helder Costa caused the Atlético player to fall with a bad posture and had to abandon the match.
Vesaljko, who was his substitute, played a very good game despite the inactivity he has been having and was responsible for the third goal of the colchoneros. Both the Croatian and Carrasco did a very important job on the pitch, they were the main creators of the entire team game.
Simeone's men had practically no problems getting to the Valencia area, but once there they lost their ideas a bit and wasted their attacks. Atlético's three main attackers did not appear. Just a few distant shots from Correa and Carrasco, but which didn't hurt.
The first 30 minutes of the game passed and neither Griezmann nor Luis Suárez appeared, the Uruguayan appeared but very far from the area in an area where he did not do any damage.
The first of many
The truth is that Luis Suárez needs very little to become the protagonist of a game and this time a slight oversight by Diakhaby was enough and with a great genius of his own he managed to place the 0-1 at minute 34 of the first half.
The Uruguayan went to receive a pass from Correa near the half moon and with a subtle touch with his right he settled the ball and dislodged the Valencia defender and then crossed the ball with his left and surpassed Cillesen.
It was a play where Simeone's men never backed down, taking advantage of the inability to avoid the visitors' first goal. During the first half, Valencia did not manage to do damage beyond a distant shot from Guedes that Oblak easily controlled.
Second time
After the break the game would change completely, only the first five minutes were much more intense than the first half. Griezmann was unable to properly connect a great Correa cross before Suarez complained of a stomp on the Mestalla grass.
A great move by Atlético that could not finish in a goal before the Valencia draw. A Guedes shot with a carom ended inside the goal where the ball passed through Oblak's hands and Savic's side before entering the goal completely.
An episode that would destabilize Atlético de Madrid until Griezmann appeared at minute 57 to place the 1-2, a goal that showed the commitment he has with the team by stealing the ball from Guillamón, then traveling about 50 meters to finish it with an impeccable left foot. That it would send to the bottom of the net.
A goal that restored the balance of the match which would be extended two minutes later with Vrsaljko's goal, a goal that was validated just after passing through the VAR.
Despite all this, the departure of Yunus Musah from the game gave Valencia a new breath and the energy that the locals took was enough to get the comeback. First it was Wass with a shot to the crossbar, but Valencia did not completely disturb Oblak.
At minute 85 Hugo Duro would enter the field, who entered the field to take the glory with the goals necessary for the tie and that ended up collapsing Atlético de Madrid. The 2-3 would arrive at minute 91, while the tying goal for 3-3 would be at minute 95.
In this way, it was made clear that Simeone's men have a defense that not so long ago was the envy of the world and that now they are not able to stop their rivals, becoming one of the teams that has received the most goals this season.
An Atlético de Madrid that has a lot to improve if it wants to continue being among the greatest in Europe, right now it has lost its power in the European championship, while in La Liga it tries to stay in the top positions.