Victory and into the Round of 16 as top of the group
Griezmann and Lino seal first place in the Champions League group stage. A good game from our players who scored a goal at the start of each half.
Atlético came out with very clear ideas against Lazio. Supported by a dedicated crowd, they were looking for another victory to finish unbeaten in the Group Stage and finish first. And the truth is that a good collective pressure on the Italian ball ended with the ball recovered by Lino, who was able to one-on-one with Marusic, went into the area to give a low pass to Griezmann, who, from the penalty spot, put the ball in the cage after a tight right-footed shot. The night was off to a good start for the home side.
Lazio were forced to come out of their own half and to change the script, showing more attacking intent. That's how they had their first approach in the 12th minute, although Zaccagni's shot went wide. After a phase of the first half in which there were no great chances, another one came for our team. Lino, a nightmare for Marusic, again got clear of the Lazio right-back to unleash a tremendous right-footed shot which Provedel fisted clear.
The team looked for a second goal and it came from a great team move in the 38th minute, with Molina's final cross being headed into the net by Hermoso. However, the Turkish referee was alerted by the VAR and ended up disallowing the goal for offside by Lino. The dangerous moves continued and a combination between Correa and Griezmann ended with the Frenchman shooting narrowly wide. And, in the extension of the first half, another good move between Saúl and Correa on the left ended with a low shot that sailed over the goal line.
The second half started in the same vein as the first. High pressure, quick circulation of the ball with one or two touches and depth. That's how the 2-0 came about. Correa crossed the ball into the box to Lino, who headed the ball back to Memphis, who then flicked a right-footed missile into the top left corner of Provedel's goal.
It was the 20th consecutive victory at the Cívitas Metropolitano, with 17 wins in La Liga and 3 in the Champions League in a 2023 in which our team have shown themselves to be a solid team at home. On Saturday, next LaLiga game at San Mamés against Athletic. Then, on Monday 18, the Champions League draw and on Tuesday 19, another game in our stadium against Getafe.
