Atlético de Madrid faced Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas tonight in a match corresponding to the sixth round of the domestic competition. Íñigo Pérez's men presented an uncomfortable match to Diego Pablo Simeone's team, with Atlético having a hard time overcoming Rayo Vallecano's attacks and their advanced line of pressure. Trailing at half-time, Atlético drew on their faith and responded with a goal from Conor Gallagher at the start of the second half of the match.
Despite improving their game and becoming more organized in attack and defense in the second half, Atlético could not go beyond a draw against the team from Vallecas. The 0-7 they achieved last year at the Estadio de Vallecas was an anecdote this season, with Rayo Vallecano playing much more forceful and uncomfortable football for their rival. With the match giving a lot of itself to both sides, there are many facets worthy of an in-depth analysis.
Vallecano siege in the first half
Rayo started the match with a fairly high pressure line, something that caught Atlético by surprise, who were overwhelmed in the first half. Íñigo Pérez 's men suffocated Simeone 's men to the point of going into the break with the score in their favour after a mischievous goal from Isi Palazón . The captain of the Vallecas team caught a deflected shot from Ratiu to send the ball into the back of the net with some suspense after reviewing a non-existent offside.
Atlético de Madrid , for their part, were quite disorganised throughout the first half, with a shot off the crossbar by Julián Alvarez being the best chance for the red-and-whites. Oblak was somewhat strained at the start with a strong shot from Embarba that he repelled by throwing himself down, as well as stopping the Vallecas team's attacks on several occasions. The Atlético de Madrid defence looked quite fragile throughout the first half, highlighting the importance of José María Giménez and Robin Le Normand , who are absent due to rest.
César Azpilicueta 's injury almost at the end of the first 45 minutes was the dark side of the match for Atlético de Madrid , with the Navarrese substituted by Giménez . The Colchoneros' midfield succumbed to that of the Vallecanos, with Koke, Marcos Llorente and Conor Gallagher being surpassed in all facets of the game by the Rayo Vallecano midfielders. The circulation of the ball and the usual intensity in the midfield could not be appreciated against a team that subdued them and did not let them connect with their two forwards.
Change of plans
Samuel Lino and Marcos Llorente were substituted at half-time, with Antoine Griezmann and Ángel Correa coming on. Julián Alvarez started the second half on the left wing, an unusual position for him and one in which he found himself under considerable pressure in attack and defence. The midfield began to come into play much more and to be more active in pressing after losses , facilitating many recoveries in sensitive areas of the pitch.
The team radically changed the formation, which saw a line of four in defence dissipated when the team did not have the ball, and the modifications soon bore fruit. Conor Gallagher perfectly executed the assist for Alexander Sorloth , who made a great individual play and served a ball to the edge of the area, which was finished off by the Englishman. Atlético de Madrid gradually became active as the second half progressed, with the goal from the British player being a shot of motivation and confidence for the Colchoneros.
As time went on, the game moved from one area to another, with Atlético having some moments of lucidity but not being lucky enough to score a goal. The pressure from Atlético pushed Rayo to the limit on numerous occasions when they moved the ball out, being so intense that it even got Conor Gallagher excited during one of the attacks. Sorloth was combative throughout the second half, fighting for every ball with the Rayo defence, which suffered the physical power of the Norwegian giant.
Rayo could not create much more danger in attack for Atlético de Madrid , not even with the entry of one of their brand new signings, James Rodríguez . The Colombian barely came into play in his minutes on the pitch, demonstrating the good work of the Colchonera defence after returning from the break in the match. Despite these red-and-white attempts to pierce Batalla 's goal, the match ended in a 1-1 draw , which was not enough for an Atlético that wanted more.
A bland point
Even Giuliano Simeone 's late substitution did not prevent the score from moving, giving Atlético de Madrid a point that is not enough for the Atlético fans. Atlético is slightly behind its main rivals for the title, falling to fourth place in the table , two points behind Real Madrid and eight behind Barcelona . Pending the possibility of redeeming this draw in Thursday's match at Balaídos , Atlético de Madrid is already thinking about winning the duel against Celta de Vigo .