Atlético de Madrid have achieved a very important victory, fundamental in the fight for LaLiga . The team managed by Diego Pablo Simeone have recovered from the painful draw against RCD Espanyol and have beaten Athletic Club . Not only that, they have also taken all three points from their home ground, San Mamés .
It was not an easy challenge for Atlético de Madrid , who had a hard time beating Ernesto Valverde 's men. After losing two key points this week, the match in Bilbao was not important, it was vital. Thanks to this, they have temporarily moved into second place.
Simeone, analytical about the Atlético de Madrid clash
After the match, Atlético de Madrid manager Diego Pablo Simeone has been in the press room. In the heart of ' La Catedral ', the Argentine, who was given the chance by the changes, has analysed his feelings from this match. With this victory, they now have eight points, which is essential for the colchoneros.
“In the first half, we lacked composure, with the rain, the transition in attack was not precise. However, it was clear that, when we got it right, we could cause problems. In the second half, it was different, we increased our precision, we attacked with Lino and Gallagher on the left.”
“ Llorente was always being hit hard, he was never able to string together a better play, but the game progressed. Sorloth 's moment was what gave us the chance to apply more aggressive pressure. Ángel continues to do his thing, he works very well, he is one of those who demands more and there are times when I can give it to him and others I can't.”
Simeone talks about the squad and the level of Atlético de Madrid
“We have a squad that can play in different ways, we had four or five important chances the other day. The game went the way we wanted to play it, today we played a different game, we played the game we wanted to play. Defensively strong, it brought us out of the back and gave us the chance to make changes to give the team more energy.”
“We are playing against important rivals, we could have dealt with Villarreal 's two goals better. We are getting to know the players, Gallagher arrived eight days ago, Robin15-18 ago, Julián17 ago, Musso yesterday. We are getting to know each other and there is a time that I don't mind as a fan, we want to win.”
On avoiding vertigo and defensive help, Diego Pablo Simeone was clear. “We know Athletic , we know their strengths, when they take the lead, it is difficult. When we kept a clean sheet, we had good results.”
“That allowed us to play the game we wanted to play, we grew when we improved with our footwork. We were close to what we wanted,” said a coach who could not have been clearer about the home team. “Every time Athletic comes out, it is a tough, difficult game, they know how to take advantage of all their play.”
Simeone, clear about Juan Musso
"He made a huge effort to come to Atlético , he fought with everyone he had to fight with in Bergamo to get out. He wants to be here and that is very important. He has hierarchy, experience, he is a boy who has played a lot of games.
“I hope he helps us and gives us competition to stimulate Oblak , which is also necessary.”
Angel Correa, the hero of Atletico Madrid
Another of the protagonists of this duel was Ángel Correa , who has agreed with Diego Pablo Simeone . “That is the important thing, although we are all players, one always wants to play, to be in the starting eleven. With this, we showed that we are all important and we took an important victory.”
“There were only a few minutes left, but I thought that ‘ Cholo ’ had something else in mind, and he called me at the end. With the same faith as always, and luckily, I was able to convert. First, I had time to think a little and see the goalkeeper, so I shot from the side and finished.”
"I don't know if it was a setback, because we wanted to take the three points home, but we weren't as lucky as we were today. The team has worked very well and now it's time to keep fighting, to stay at the top."