Leo leads the way in win against Nacional
Two goals from Leo Baptistão in the second half were instrumental in picking up the second Euroamericana Cup victory and giving a 6-2 win in favor of Europe in the international trophy.
NACIONAL 0-2 ATHLETIC
National: Bava, Alvarez, De los Santos, Scotti, Diaz, Da Pena, Calzada (Borrego, 70 '), Fernandez (Recoba, 70'), Prieto (Arismendi, 61 '), Porta (Pereiro, 70') and Garcia (Cavallini, 61 ')
Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe (Insua, 46 '), Gabi, Mario (Tiago, 65'), Koke (Cristian Rodriguez, 46 '), Arda (Leo, 46'), Raul Garcia ( Adrian, 46 ') and Diego Costa
Goals:
Min.46. 0-1: Leo Baptistão
Min.80. 0-2: Leo Baptistão
Attendance: 48,000 .
The game at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo saw Simeone’s men up against Nacional in the final match of the Euroamerican Cup. A historical setting and an enchanting atmosphere, with the world's largest flag in the stands, plus a tribute to Godin, a former national player, set everything up for a very competitive match.
Both sides wanted to add the last point in the Euro-American Cup and in the first half both teams struggled to create chances. Simeone's men showed signs of quality and Bava in the Nacional goals was the busiest of the two keepers saving after good link up between Juanfran, Koke and Diego Costa.
National could not break down the Atleti defence and it was the good work in the midfield fr Atleti hat saw them creating more chances, Arda, Koke and Raul Garcia and arrivals from the fullbacks Juanfran and Filipe Luis were causing problems. It was Filipe who tried his luck on the 35 minute mark but the Uruguayan defense managed to block the shot. Meanwhile, Raul Garcia also had a couple of chances with his left boot but Bava cleared the danger on both occasions. Immediately afterwards, the home side could have opened the scoring through Porta but the offside flag was up and it remained 0-0 at the break.
Simeone rang the change
With everything level on the scoreboard, the Atletico coach made a few changes at the break bringing on Adrian, Cristian Rodriguez Insua & Leo. It was the Uruguayan who’s shot lead to Leo Baptistão picking up the rebound and scoring his second goal for Atletico.
National looked to get straight back in to it with a shot from Alvaro Fernandez hit the woodwork. The home coach made a few changes as they looked for the leveller but Leo doubled the lead 10 minutes from time with a superb shot on the turn from the edge of the area that surprised the Nacional goalkeeper.
The good work throughout the game paid off and Atleti made it 6-2 to the European sides in the Euro-American Cup, a tournament that closed with the two wins against Sporting Cristal and Nacional.
