Griezmann: Riazor’s Mystique Broken Down

A loud whistle to Simeone, a band of pipers who sang the Galician anthem, sung a cappella by more than 35,000 throats, and the song ‘Sirius’ by Alan Parsons Project, the same one used Michael Jordan to enter the United Center in Chicago, was the powerful, intimidating and emotional presentation that Riazor prepared for Atlético’s visit. With the “chicken skin” that said Cruyff still present, a duel with an old smell began, when a fearsome soccer was played in the northwest corner of the country.

It was the visitors who took the initiative, drunk on the ball but always with the intention of bombarding Germán, the goalkeeper did a fine job of stopping a header from Julian in minute three. Depor, on the other hand, was overcome by the passion, extensive efforts and pure heart of a Galician team that, despite everything, could not manage to spin fine lines in attack and cut off the rival charges as best it could. Ruggeri He was the one who confirmed the good sensations at the Colchoneros with a brilliant left-footed shot that only deflected off the post.

When Atleti seemed closer to the goal, little by little, the Coruña team began to grow thanks to Soriano’s antics in the midfield and some quick transitions. The local players did not stop encouraging the stands, aware that Simeone’s team had lowered their heart rate, their possessions were not very sharp and they were incapable of generating intense danger except through the lateral centers.

Meanwhile, in the 30th minute, the Riazor Blues They displayed a banner. “Jimmy, always with us” was the phrase that preceded the clearest Galician opportunity, the work of Zakaria, Hidalgo’s pupils lacking precision but very solid as the minutes passed. Only Griezmannwith a spectacular left foot shot against the crossbar, was able to freeze the venue moments before the break.

With renewed energy, Dépor returned from the locker room, their first play of the second half was great, very close, again Zakariato inaugurate the electronic one. The depth of Altimira From the right wing he gave them wings, while the direction of the British Patiño in the middle began to tip the balance towards the Herculinos. Atlético, for its part, was once again predictable, without fire, entrusted to its superior quality showing it the path to victory.

He hit a good burst after the 50th minute, a lot of center and a lot of volume until Griezmannwith a direct foul, broke the spell. The ball was only a few centimeters from the area, but the Frenchman’s greatness knows no limits and, with a subtle but deadly touch, he overtook an Atlético team that finally began to breathe with some calm.

Time was of the essence for Dépor and Hidalgo He did not hesitate to take out the artillery, one last bullet called Jeremayan absolute idol at Riazor, who could provide the talent in the final meters that had been sorely missed in the previous 70 minutes. The Canary Islander was placed in the center of the attack, where he could have more influence and move away from a prodigy like Llorente on the left side, his usual hunting ground.

The truth is that his impact restored hope to the A Coruña side and Patiño was very close to equalizing with a header. Knowing that the end was near, Simeone took to the track Gimenezan extra center back to reduce balls in the area and seal the long-awaited victory. When the smoke of the battle cleared, Atlético was the winner.