Athletic Club 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Rojiblancos Lose Ground on La Liga's Top Four
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to move into fourth spot in La Liga on Sunday, after being held to 1-1 draw with Athletic on their return to action.
Yannick Carrasco came closest to breaking the deadlock at an empty San Mames, but his low effort squirmed just wide of the post to spare Unai Simon's blushes after a bizarre slip in goal.
Jan Oblak may not have played in a while, but he showed no signs of rustiness with a flying save after 32 minutes. However, he was powerless to prevent Iker Muniain's flicked finish from finding the back of the net just five minutes later.
Atletico hit back almost directly from kick-off, however, with Diego Costa finishing from near the penalty spot after being fed through by Koke.
Atletico were the more dominant side after the break, with the hosts wasteful in possession when pushing up in the final third. This left the door open for Los Rojiblancos to snatch a winner, but some smart saves from kept the scores level.
ATHLETIC CLUB
Athletic Club celebrate scoring the opener | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Diego Simeone instructing his Atletico side | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
They might have produced two stellar performances to see off Liverpool in this season's Champions League, but some faltering La Liga displays have left Atletico in a position where victory in the elite competition may be their only route back next term.
Domestically, everyone else around them appears to be improving, while Simeone's side stagnate.
With a top four berth slipping away, matches such as these against fellow opposition chasing a European spot are crucial to their goals.
It was the usual case of calm, measured play that favoured pragmatism over risk, while sitting deep and well-marshalled when out of possession.
Atletico Madrid's away form looks increasingly likely to cost them a Champions League place. Now just 2 victories in last 15 on the road (against Betis and Liverpool). That run also includes a loss to Segunda B side Cultural Leonesa.
On the surface this will be seen as two points dropped, but for Simeone, there is no doubt this will be seen a victory in their quest for Champions League football. Making sure they don't lose in sacrifice of chasing a win and risking defeat always comes first. So, by leaving northern Spain with a point against decent opposition, it won't be considered a major slip-up.
Nevertheless, much more will be needed from Los Rojiblancos if they are to put in a valiant fight on two fronts, as on this performance, they didn't look Champions League quality.
13 - Atlético de Madrid have drawn their 13th LaLiga game of 2019-20; they have never previously played out more stalemates in any completed season in the competition in their history. Dull.
It hasn't been a perfect season - for him or for the rest of the squad - but Koke's influence on this Atletico team can never be understated. He embodies Simeone's demands of being well-drilled, disciplined and hard working, which is probably why he's the captain, right?
Having started well, his side tailed off towards the end of the firs half, but Koke responded well and grew into the match with a far more positive display. He was getting on the ball more frequently, as well as shouting a good few Spanish expletives to get his teammates in order out of possession.
Solid as ever.
Looking Ahead
Athletic Club face an away clash next up as they travel to Eibar in La Liga, meanwhile Atletico are back on the road once more in the division as they take on Osasuna in midweek.
Wonderful show of support from @diegocosta to @VirginiiiaTr as the @AtletiFemenino & @SeFutbolFem star continues her recovery from brain surgery
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