One step closer to the Champions League
The match had all the ingredients of an intense, entertaining and highly charged clash. And the truth is that it had it all. In the first half there was more precautionary from both sides. Atletico Madrid had really studied their opponent and as the minutes passed began to take control of the match.
Deportivo 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Deportivo: Aranzubia, Manuel Pablo, Zé Castro, Aythami, Ayoze; Alex Bergantinyos, Juan Dominguez, Bruno Gama, Valeron (Andre Santos, 86 '), Camus (Evaldo, 72') and Riki (Nelson Oliveira, 77 ').
Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Mario Suarez, Raul Garcia (Óliver Torres, 72 '), Adrian (Saul, 81'), Cristian Rodriguez (Arda Turan, 65 ') and Falcao .
Referee: Ayza Gámez (Valencia Committee). Showed yellow cards to Godin (42 ') and Bruno Gama (90').
Deportivo want to continue their fine run since Fernando Vazquez took charge, the team has undergone a transformation that has taken them out of the relegation zone although not fully clear of the danger zone.
Meanwhile, Atletico wanted certify with a win their place in next seasons Champions League. They knew that they had to put in a special performance away from home to achieve that.
The clash began with chances for both sides. Depor were first to test Atleti when Riki went close, immediately afterwards, Falcao at the other looked to beat Aranzubia in the Depor goal
The home side started to have more of the ball and in that period came close to the goal of Courtois, Ayoze tried from distance but didn’t really trouble the Belgian goalkeeper.
After the first part of the first half in which Deportivo seemed to have more control of the ball, the tables turned and Atletico began to create more danger. A Juanfran cross ended at the feet of Godin, who failed to finish after being put under pressure by the opposition defender. It was the prelude to a good move by Adrian and ended with a deflected shot from Falcao.
In the second half, Atletico Madrid clearly dominant. They began strong, creating a chance when a pass from Adrian found on Falcao but the Colombian’s shot hit the sidenetting. The rojiblancos were dominating possession and looking to break down a tough Depor side.
Diego Pablo Simeone made a few changes in the middle of the second half. Arda Turan, Óliver Torres and Saul came on for Cristian Rodriguez, Raul Garcia and Adrian. This spurred Atleti on more and soon after, Gabi had a tremendous shot from outside the box that hit the crossbar in the 79th minuteand in the 88thminute, a controversial decision by Ayza Gámez denied Atletico victory. Arda Turan sent in a ball that did not touch anyone, but the referee thought the Godin had toughed it and h was in an offside position.
The gamed end there, it was good to see Arda Turan returned to action after injury. It was also good that Óliver Torres and Saul got minutes and we had glimpses of their class. Atletico will be happy with the clean sheet and will turn their attension to Wednesday and Atletico's next match against Celta Vigo.