After Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in Saturday's Clásico, Atlético Madrid had the chance to rejoin the race for the Liga BBVA title with a win against Getafe, and they did not miss their opportunity, scraping a 1-0 victory. Now, Los Rojiblancos are one and two points away from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively, with Valencia and Sevilla in the mix as well.
3 things we learned from Atleti’s quiet 1-0 win at Getafe
Simeone’s side did not miss their chance to beat a mediocre Getafe team.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
It has become quite clear that this Atléti team are not as imposing and dominant as they were last season. They have relied too much on their set pieces, and Miranda has been the one player who delivered big time during the first weeks of this ongoing campaign. Still, they are getting wins. This match against Getafe could have very easily ended in a draw, but Mandzukic’s goal in the 40th minute and Getafe defender Alexis’ red card in the 56th were enough for Los Colchoneros to get the three points.
But Getafe showed some spirit and had the chances to score the equalizer. They finished the game well and Atlético de Madrid ended up wasting some time even though Getafe were down to 10 men. Ultimately, Atlético knew how to pull this one out and wait for better and more comfortable days to come.
Getafe: Guaita, Valera, Alexis, Velázquez, Escudero, Lacen, J. Rodríguez, Sammir (Diawara 66’), Freddy (Sarabia 77’), Yoda, Lafita
Goals: None
Atlético de Madrid: Moyà, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Siqueira, Mario, García, Koke, Arda, Griezmann (Cerci 66’), Mandzukic (Saúl 83’)
Goals: Mandzukic (40’)
3 things
1. Atlético will fight for the Liga BBVA title again - It’s true that they don’t seem to be as powerful as they were last season, but neither do Barcelona, nor Real Madrid. Simeone has a very complete and competitive roster if he’s lucky avoiding injuries, and he will be able to make more rotations than last season, as Atlético’s bench is way better this time around.
2. Griezmann is disappointing - Many pundits thought that he could be one of the greatest transfers of the summer, but the former Real Sociedad attacker is yet to adapt to Simeone's system. His season so far has been nothing short of a disappointment.
3. Simeone needs Gabi - The Argentinian coach did not play Gabi for a single minute even though the midfielder was available. And Atlético’s poor game overall showed how badly they need Gabi in their system. Mario Suárez is just not that player.
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