By JB
Published yesterday at 11:34 p.m., Updated yesterday at 11:39 p.m.
As usual, Antoine Griezmann played fair, facing a beleaguered German defense. LGM / Panoramic / Alvaro Medranda / Imago / Panoramic / IMAGO/Moritz Mueller
Superior in all areas, Antoine Griezmann and the Atlético players were able to take advantage of German defensive errors to win (2-1).
Antoine Griezmann, sure value
His passes further demonstrated the great talent of the French international. From the 3rd minute of play, he serves Morata who does not shoot quickly enough. He was the decisive passer for Samuel Lino on the second goal, and could have scored another assist if his partner had pushed the ball deep on his free kick (75th). His pressing was particularly useful in the first minute to undermine Borussia’s game.
Haller, a remarkable entry
With only 24 minutes of play since his injury at the CAN, the BVB striker was able to make a difference as soon as he entered in place of Fullkrug (60th). He was able to play successfully as a pivot, particularly with Julian Brandt. He hurt the Madrid central defense who had no other solution than to commit fouls on him. Even if the ball comes back to him with luck, his pivotal goal (81st) is magnificent and allows Borussia to believe in qualification on the return leg.
Samuel Lino, BVB troublemaker
With Griezmann, he is the great architect of Madrid’s victory. He combined on numerous occasions with the Frenchman to find space on his left wing. The scorer found the right spaces in the BVB defense (69th), but he had to realize his opportunity alone against the goal in the 75th which would have allowed Atléti to lead 3-0. He will be suspended for the return match because of his yellow card received in the 27th minute.
Atlético’s overall performance
This match alone symbolizes Simeone’s playing philosophy. After pressing and opening the score, the Colchoneros locked down their defense. The Germans’ attacks (68% possession in the second half) remained ineffective for a very long time until Molina unfortunately scored on Haller’s goal (81st). Brandt’s header on Brandt’s post, in the last minute (94th), remains the defense’s only real failure.
Les flops
Fullkrug sans solution
Established at the start of the match at the forefront of BVB, the attacker was simply invisible. Despite German possession, he was not used as a pivot, nor found on the very rare Borussia crosses. His only strike in the 50th minute did not worry Jan Oblak. Logically replaced by Sébastien Haller (60th)
Borussia’s defense offers gifts
The Atlético players completed a perfect first period which logically allowed them to lead. However, they can thank the opposing defense for the two errors leading to the first two goals. The Kobel-Maatsen duo first of all, with a dangerous pass from the goalkeeper to his defender who offers the ball to De Paul. Hummels and Schlotterbeck then, with a lack of communication which led to the second goal for the Spaniards.
