Atlético de Madrid pulled out a hard-fought victory against RB Leipzig on the opening day of the ChampionsLeague . Antoine Griezmann and José María Giménez were the heroes, but there was another player who had a great game: Ángel Correa . The 'little angel' surprised everyone when the club from Madrid made their starting eleven official, with the Argentine's name appearing among those chosen.
Something that nobody expected, since in Cholo 's previous rehearsals it seemed that Ángel Correa would start from the bench. However, the Argentine coach gave him a chance and did not regret it at all due to his great performance. All this, moreover, in a very special match for the '10' of Atlético de Madrid , who continues to surpass many footballers in the number of matches played with the red and white.
He leaves behind a red and white legend
By the time the referee blew the whistle to start the match, Ángel Correa had made a total of 427 official appearances for Atlético de Madrid. A number that very few players have reached, and which equals a recent club legend like Saúl Ñíguez . The Elche native, despite his dark end as a Atlético player, was one of the most important players for Cholo Simeone when he made a name for himself after moving up to the first team.
A fact that further increases the importance of Ángel Correa having reached this number of matches, since not all foreigners manage to remain in the same team. In fact, the Argentine striker is the second footballer outside of Spain who has played the most games for Atlético de Madrid , surpassed only by Jan Oblak (451). In this way, the 'angelito' is placed as the 7th player who has defended the red and white shield the most times throughout history.
And what better way to celebrate than with the great game he had against RB Leipzig . He was a real headache for the German defence, who suffered with his quick dribbles and great decision-making. Despite not finding the goal, he was one of the most outstanding attacking players in the opening of the Champions League alongside Antoine Griezmann, the MVP.
Almost a lifetime at Atlético
Ángel Correa has been with Atlético de Madrid since the 14/15 season, when they paid €8M to the Argentine side San Lorenzo for his transfer. He arrived as a great promise from his country, although he soon found himself with complicated heart problems, with which the red-and-white club did not hesitate to help in any way possible. Once he managed to recover, he began to enter the dynamics of the team and soon became an important piece for Simeone.
In this way, after many years at Atlético de Madrid , Ángel Correa has 427 matches, 81 goals and 53 assists in all competitions. All this added to the fact that he was in the most successful era of the club, winning a total of three trophies since his arrival in Spain . A player who has always respected his 'secondary' role, and who will take the Atlético fans with him wherever he goes for the rest of his life.