Metropolitano Stadium was the place where Atletico Madrid got a visit from Athletic Club Bilbao in La Liga. We have tonight’s player ratings.
Today was a crucial match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao in the Spanish La Liga. Last weekend’s Madrid Derby saw the Colchoneros drop even more points and get Barcelona within three points from them at the top. They needed a victory today in order to leave the advantage at six points. But Athletic Club is one of the most difficult opponents in Spanish football today, especially against La Liga’s Top Three.
Marcelino proved he knows how to cause a ruckus in Atletico Madrid’s defense after drawing first-blood through Iker Muniain. Iñaki Williams found the skipper in the heart of the box after a spectacular collective play from the Lions. But Diego Simeone knew how important this match was for them, he found the equalizer soon through Marcos Llorente’s strike right before the break. We were in for a dramatic second half with such a balanced game between these two teams.
Luis Suarez scores the winner.
After the break, we saw Atletico Madrid get more involved in the attack for the better part of the first half-hour. Right after the second-half whistle, Luis Suarez found the winning goal from the spot after a penalty was awarded for his side. Despite this advantage, the Lions never gave up on their attempt to get the equalizer. Faithful to his own philosophy, Diego Simeone preferred to protect the winning result rather than getting a third goal for his side.
He took out Luis Suarez when he was playing his best football. As he left the pitch, the Uruguay international seemed disappointed at his manager’s decision. Simeone’s decision worked and Atletico got the result they wanted. However, ‘Cholo’ will keep getting criticized for having such a defensive personality in moments like this.
Player ratings
Atletico Madrid: Oblak (7), Savic (7), Tripier (7), Felipe (7), Hermoso (7), Koke (7), Lemar (7), Llorente (8), Carrasco (6), Felix (5), Suarez (8).
Bench: Correa (7), Saul (7), Torreira (5).
Athletic Club Bilbao: Simon (6), De Marcos (6), Yuri (6), Yerai (7), Nuñez (6), Garcia (6), Lopez (7), Vesga (6), Muniain (7), Williams (7), Berenguer (7).
Bench: Garcia (6), Villalibre (6), Vencedor (6), Capa (5), Morcillo (5).
Feel free to make your pick on player’s ratings and performances using the widget below.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Athletic Club Bilbao
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
