The match had already started with a surprise since the publication of the Atlético de Madrid line-up: Julián Álvarez was on the bench and Giuliano Simeone came on . At first it seemed like a natural change, however a few seconds after the match started it was proven otherwise. The son of the current Atlético coach occupied the position of left wing-back, which it was clear he was not very used to.
Nahuel Molina was the other new addition to the right flank, bringing Marcos Llorente to the right midfield position to give more muscle to the red-and-white midfield. The Argentine full-back had a good first half, but he didn't have as much work as his counterpart Giuliano Simeone, who at times was overwhelmed in defensive duties.
Without a clear dominator
The first half ended with few clear chances, or rather, with only one clear chance for Celta de Vigo. Thanks to Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias, the team from Vigo caused serious problems for Atlético de Madrid, who did not take a single shot in the entire first half.
After a play between the two forwards of the Vigo team, a shot by Iago Aspas hit the base of Jan Oblak's left post and was saved by the Slovenian goalkeeper. A spectacular save by the Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper that provoked a reaction of astonishment in the Vigo forward: "what a save."
The first half was very even, and was also notable for the duels between Borja Iglesias and Reinildo Mandava. Various scuffles led to a dangerous move by "El Panda" on the Mozambican, which did not result in any penalty for the striker. However, Reinildo's embrace of the striker to stop a counterattack did result in the first yellow card for the red-and-white team.
Second part, more of the same
A result that did not suit the red-and-white team at all, who needed to win at Balaídos. Substitutions were expected at half-time, however Simeone kept the eleven that started the match. However, just nine minutes later the Argentine coach brought on Julián Alvarez for Koke!
This surprising change meant that the Atlético team broke up and Celta enjoyed several chances thanks to, above all, Borja Iglesias. In the other area, Carl Starfelt was eating up Alexander Sørloth who was not winning a duel against the Swedish centre-back. Immediately afterwards, Simeone recomposed the team with Rodrigo De Paul and Rodrigo Riquelme for Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sørloth.
Atlético de Madrid became flat and harmless and Celta Vigo smelled blood . In the 72nd minute, Borja Iglesias again finished off another cross with a half-chile that, if it hadn't been for Le Normand touching it, would possibly have been more dangerous. Not to mention another header earlier that Jan Oblak saved on the goal line.
Ten minutes were enough for Atlético
In the 79th minute, the first truly dangerous chance for Atleti came. A bicycle kick from Riquelme on the left flank ended with a shot at the near post that Vicente Guaita deflected for a corner. From that moment on, the match changed slightly in Atleti's favour and the same thing happened to Atletico in the past.
After yet another clear chance missed by Celta Vigo, this time by Douvikas, Atlético de Madrid had the second clear chance of the match. Against Leipzig, Antoine Griezmann's cross was with his right foot from the left flank, whereas against Celta it was from the right flank with his left foot. This cross was eventually caught by Julián Alvare z, showing off his reputation as a born finisher and closing out the match.
This would put an end to a disastrous match for Atlético de Madrid, but one that they won. And that is the most important thing when the game is not yet ready and the pieces are still falling into place . The next match at the Metropolitano against Real Madrid will be the first test of fire for a team that still needs some form.