Atleti: Victory and Criticism, An Injustice?
Atleti claimed victory, but the debate about Cholo Simeone resurfaces. After the derby, the Rojiblanco coach finds himself at the center of controversy, despite having surpassed the eternal rival and generating more goal-scoring opportunities.
It is argued that the analysis has been conditioned by the penalty shootout, a decisive factor but one that should not overshadow the team’s overall performance. If luck in the penalties had smiled on Atlético, Simeone would be hailed as a brilliant strategist, as Ancelotti was at the time.
It is important to remember that Real Madrid has a superior squad in individual quality, while Atleti was able to compete and generate danger despite this. The supposed lack of ambition of the team after the initial goal has been criticized.
However, the data refutes this claim. Courtois emerged as a key figure in Madrid, demonstrating Atleti’s constant siege. Why risk an open game and allow players like Mbappé to exploit their speed, when the strategy already in place was already taking effect? The only occasion in which Mbappé had room to run resulted in a penalty against. Atleti demonstrated tactical intelligence, prioritizing defensive security without renouncing attack, intelligently seeking spaces and minimizing risks. A strategic victory, which deserves to be valued in its proper measure.
