Atlético Madrid are still alive in the chase for Barcelona's virtual La Liga title after a great 1-0 road win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Thanks to Antoine Griezmann's goal and a sensational defensive performance, the Colchoneros stopped Real's high-scoring home attack, and killed any remote chances that Los Blancos had to win the trophy. It is now a two-horse race between Barça and Atleti for the league. Goodbye, Real.
FIRST HALF
The game went on exactly as expected in the first half: Real in possession, Atlético defending. Los Blancos tried to show patience to find gaps in the attacking half, but Diego Simeone's men were ready to close all of them. When they had possession close to their own box, Real Madrid players were troubled by a high pressing from Atleti's forwards and midfielders.
When the Colchoneros had possession, they couldn't find any chances mainly because of their lack of offensive creativity. With both teams having issues on the ball, we saw a very lackluster first half, with only two highlights: a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick, saved by Jan Oblak, and a beautiful outside shot by Antoine Griezmann, also stopped by Real keeper Keylor Navas.
For Atleti, it was a great period, since their game plan was to mainly defend to stop Real and maybe get a few chances on the counter, and that's exactly what happened. For the hosts, it was below their usual standards at home with Zinedine Zidane, and they needed plenty of improvement and ideas to break down the visitors.
At halftime, a somewhat boring game, no goals, and a giant smile on Barça fans' faces everywhere.
SECOND HALF
The final period started in a faster pace, with both teams a little more open and creating chances. Ronaldo had a great one after a fine pass from Modric, but his shot went just wide of the goal. As Real started to improve and dominate, Atlético delivered the blow. Griezmann carried the ball in a counter-attack, passed it to Filipe Luís, and got it back wide open in the box. The Frenchman was unforgiving and beat Navas for the opening goal at the Bernabéu.
Even with the disadvantage in the score, Real continued to show zero creativity and simply did not find ways to get in front of Oblak's goal. Ronaldo's nightmare showing was even worse in the second half, with the Portuguese striker completely out of the match after his great chance at the start. When he was involved, he had a couple of headers with no danger for the keeper.
In the end, a giant away win for Atleti, game over for Madrid, and happiness for Barça fans. What a Saturday.
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Danilo; Kroos, Modric, Isco (Jesé); James (Vázquez), Benzema (Mayoral), Ronaldo
Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Godín, Giménez, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Augusto (Kranevitter), Koke, Saúl; Griezmann, Torres (Correa)
Goal: Griezmann (53')
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