Griezmann keeps Atletico in second place

Faith in Vietto

Diego Pablo Simeone surprised everyone with the starting line-up, which included Vietto. The Argentinian was the managers bet to form in attack with Griezmann, while Jackson Martinez and Fernando Torres waited for their chance from the bench.

Griezmann doesn’t miss

Atletico started with their usual intensity and they soon were ahead on the score. Oliver Torres, who also was a starter, turned around with a great move on the right wing and assisted Griezmann for him to beat Pau with a soft touch.

Tiago’s injury

After the initial goal, Atletico remained in control of the match although the suffered an important mishap. Tiago left the pitch with clear pain signs after a blow with Marco Asensio. The Portuguese was unable to continue and Simeone chose Carrasco to take over and reorganize the team with Koke as midfielder.

Espanyol, no reaction

As the minutes went by, both teams immersed themselves into a clash with no chances. Espanyol tried to give a step forward but they didn’t find the much needed reaction. There were hardly any opportunities and Atletico managed to slow down the game, which they could have sentenced when Godin headed a ball that hit the post.

Clean sheet by Atletico

The defensive intensity was yet again one of Atletico’s main strengths. For the third consecutive match the Madrid side kept a clean sheet and certified a victory that keeps them in second place.