Atlético wins the first derby of the season against Getafe (2-0)
Diego Costa and Simão, the goal-scorers
Atlético de Madrid were proclaimed winners of the first derby of the season after beating Getafe by the score of 2-0. Goals from Diego Costa and Simão were enough to earn the three points against the ‘azulones’, who fought hard, especially in the first half. This result fills Quique’s squad with optimism as they go into their upcoming Europa League fixture against Rosenborg.
After the last league match against Sevilla in which the ‘rojiblancos’ lost to the side from Andalusia, Atlético de Madrid wanted to make a statement and show that they deserve to be in the top spots in the table. In front of them was Míchel’s Getafe squad, a team that has demonstrated that they’re a side to be reckoned with. The opening minutes of the encounter consisted of the two teams sizing each other up, but the visitors were the first to attack with a chance from Manu del Moral, who was very active at the start.
The Getafe players pressured the ball well and created some danger in the Atlético defense. José Antonio Reyes was able to shoot after a cross from Diego Costa, but it was off-target. Although neither team took control, Míchel’s squad was the one which brought greater intensity on the pitch, as they did damage on the counter-attack. Quique S. Flores had decided to rest Diego Forlán and Reyes was in charge of accompanying the Brazilian up front.
The Atlético de Madrid winger tried his luck on a free kick in minute 31 of the first half, but his shot went over the crossbar. The Atleti players were unable to thread together a good attack, and the visiting footballers appeared secure in defense and didn’t leave any open space. One minute later, José Antonio Reyes almost scored off a huge error by Codina. Reyes pressured a back pass to the goalkeeper and was able to block the keeper’s clearance, but the ball dribbled inches wide of the near post.
The game picked up pace and Atlético could smell the goal, which arrived in the 37th minute off a direct free kick from outside the area. Portuguese winger Simão was able to give Quique’s lads the lead with a beautiful goal, which brought calm to the ‘rojiblanco’ faithful. It was the third goal of the season for the Portuguese player, which was dedicated to the memory of Arteche with a nice gesture from all of the Atlético footballers. Five minutes before the break, Diego Costa almost increased the lead but the Brazilian was unable to beat Codina on a one-on-one.
In the second half, Getafe came out fiercely and with the sole idea of leaving the Calderón with at least one point. Manu del Moral warned in minute 47, but De Gea was quick to respond and wrap up the shot from the former ‘rojiblanco’ player. Atlético knew that they had to give their all and score a goal to be able to relax, but Míchel’s Getafe wasn’t going to give up on the match.
A win was crucial for Atlético de Madrid and the players were well aware of this. Diego Costa, who was given the start by Quique, scored the second goal to the joy of the ‘rojiblanco’ supporters. Reyes, who was later taken off, sent a nice through ball to Valera down the right flank, and the defender pulled back for Diego Costa, who first-timed his shot past Codina and into the back of the net.
Quique S. Flores’ lads had the game under wraps and began to control the ball well. The lead undoubtedly calmed the Atleti players, who hadn’t won in their past two encounters. The fan clubs, which had their day, enjoyed on the pitch while their players tried to tally a third.
Getafe showed that they have a battling spirit, but the quality of the Atlético de Madrid players was the difference between the two. With the score in their favour, Atleti watched the minutes tick down until the final whistle. Thus, Quique won the duel on the benches with Míchel, and his squad earned three points which allow the ‘colchoneros’ to remain with striking distance of the teams at the top.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID, 0 (Simão and Diego Costa); GETAFE, 0.
Atlético de Madrid: De Gea; Valera, Perea, Ujfalusi, Filipe Luis; Assunçao (Mario Suárez, 88’), Tiago, Simão, Fran Mérida (Forlán, 65’), Reyes (Raúl García, 84’) and Diego Costa.
Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres (Casquero, 46’), Cata, Marcano, Mané (Rafa, 46’); Víctor Sánchez, Boateng (Gavilán, 61’); Pedro Ríos, Parejo, Manu and Colunga.
Referee: Delgado Ferreir. For Atlético de Madrid showed yellow cards to Perea (39’) and Valera (59’); for Getafe booked Pedro Ríos (20’), Boateng (35’), Miguel Torres (36’) and Cata (54’)
Incidents: Estadio Vicente Calderón. Seventh matchday of La Liga. A minute of silence was held in honour of Juan Carlos Arteche, who passed away this week. The players wore a black armband.
GOALS:
1-0 (37’). Simão scores on a free kick from outside the area.
2-0 (72’). Diego Costa fires home from close range after Valera pulls back from the end line.
After the last league match against Sevilla in which the ‘rojiblancos’ lost to the side from Andalusia, Atlético de Madrid wanted to make a statement and show that they deserve to be in the top spots in the table. In front of them was Míchel’s Getafe squad, a team that has demonstrated that they’re a side to be reckoned with. The opening minutes of the encounter consisted of the two teams sizing each other up, but the visitors were the first to attack with a chance from Manu del Moral, who was very active at the start.
The Getafe players pressured the ball well and created some danger in the Atlético defense. José Antonio Reyes was able to shoot after a cross from Diego Costa, but it was off-target. Although neither team took control, Míchel’s squad was the one which brought greater intensity on the pitch, as they did damage on the counter-attack. Quique S. Flores had decided to rest Diego Forlán and Reyes was in charge of accompanying the Brazilian up front.
The Atlético de Madrid winger tried his luck on a free kick in minute 31 of the first half, but his shot went over the crossbar. The Atleti players were unable to thread together a good attack, and the visiting footballers appeared secure in defense and didn’t leave any open space. One minute later, José Antonio Reyes almost scored off a huge error by Codina. Reyes pressured a back pass to the goalkeeper and was able to block the keeper’s clearance, but the ball dribbled inches wide of the near post.
The game picked up pace and Atlético could smell the goal, which arrived in the 37th minute off a direct free kick from outside the area. Portuguese winger Simão was able to give Quique’s lads the lead with a beautiful goal, which brought calm to the ‘rojiblanco’ faithful. It was the third goal of the season for the Portuguese player, which was dedicated to the memory of Arteche with a nice gesture from all of the Atlético footballers. Five minutes before the break, Diego Costa almost increased the lead but the Brazilian was unable to beat Codina on a one-on-one.
In the second half, Getafe came out fiercely and with the sole idea of leaving the Calderón with at least one point. Manu del Moral warned in minute 47, but De Gea was quick to respond and wrap up the shot from the former ‘rojiblanco’ player. Atlético knew that they had to give their all and score a goal to be able to relax, but Míchel’s Getafe wasn’t going to give up on the match.
A win was crucial for Atlético de Madrid and the players were well aware of this. Diego Costa, who was given the start by Quique, scored the second goal to the joy of the ‘rojiblanco’ supporters. Reyes, who was later taken off, sent a nice through ball to Valera down the right flank, and the defender pulled back for Diego Costa, who first-timed his shot past Codina and into the back of the net.
Quique S. Flores’ lads had the game under wraps and began to control the ball well. The lead undoubtedly calmed the Atleti players, who hadn’t won in their past two encounters. The fan clubs, which had their day, enjoyed on the pitch while their players tried to tally a third.
Getafe showed that they have a battling spirit, but the quality of the Atlético de Madrid players was the difference between the two. With the score in their favour, Atleti watched the minutes tick down until the final whistle. Thus, Quique won the duel on the benches with Míchel, and his squad earned three points which allow the ‘colchoneros’ to remain with striking distance of the teams at the top.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID, 0 (Simão and Diego Costa); GETAFE, 0.
Atlético de Madrid: De Gea; Valera, Perea, Ujfalusi, Filipe Luis; Assunçao (Mario Suárez, 88’), Tiago, Simão, Fran Mérida (Forlán, 65’), Reyes (Raúl García, 84’) and Diego Costa.
Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres (Casquero, 46’), Cata, Marcano, Mané (Rafa, 46’); Víctor Sánchez, Boateng (Gavilán, 61’); Pedro Ríos, Parejo, Manu and Colunga.
Referee: Delgado Ferreir. For Atlético de Madrid showed yellow cards to Perea (39’) and Valera (59’); for Getafe booked Pedro Ríos (20’), Boateng (35’), Miguel Torres (36’) and Cata (54’)
Incidents: Estadio Vicente Calderón. Seventh matchday of La Liga. A minute of silence was held in honour of Juan Carlos Arteche, who passed away this week. The players wore a black armband.
GOALS:
1-0 (37’). Simão scores on a free kick from outside the area.
2-0 (72’). Diego Costa fires home from close range after Valera pulls back from the end line.
