Saturday saw two very similar results in Madrid, Spain. Atletico Madrid performed and Atletico Madrid had two performances. Real Madrid, but they led to very different conclusions about the situation and mood at the city’s two biggest clubs.
The Athletic was at the Estadio Metropolitano in mid-afternoon as Diego Simeone’s tweaked team beat newly-promoted Girona 2-1 in La Liga, before making the short trip across the city’s suburbs to Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez for a 1-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti’s rotated side.
Atletico’s narrow victory against the newly promoted Catalans was just a second win in their last five games in all competitions, and fed the impression that Simeone’s men have yet to find their plan or path for the 2022-23 season.
Madrid lost by a narrow margin to their neighbours in the final, but Madrid remains confident and positive after their 10 wins and 1 draw in all competitions. Carlo Ancelotti continues to introduce new players and tactical tweaks.
Atletico had an ideal start against Girona through Angel Correa’s third-minute goal, which was set up by a mix of Antoine Griezmann’s clipped cross and the visitors’ lackadaisical defending. However, their play continued to be a mixture of overbearing caution in possession and a worrying lackluster intensity on the ball.
The home fans were unable to stop their grumbling and whistles as the attacks continued. Girona was more in control of the game, with more territory and possession. However, Jan Oblak, Atletico’s goalkeeper did not have to make any saves during the first 45 minutes.
Juan Carlos, Girona’s keeper, handed the ball straight to Correa just seconds after the break. Correa delightedly smashed it into an empty net.
