Atlético always struggle to take on a rival that lets them have the ball and waits for them on their half. Coach Emery was aware of that and he learned the lesson from their poor performance at the Camp Nou last week. And it worked this time.
Due to Coquelin being out for an injury and Parejo´s low level performance so far this season, the Basque coach bet for a 4-3-3 system with Iborra as the midfielder so the explayer from Valencia and Trigueros would be more protected along him. Compacted team, high pressure and physical display from all their mens: the outcome, Atlético facing a terrible lack of ideas, completely confused.
Mario Gaspar took care of holding Joao Félix back and he did his job: the Portuguese was gone for the whole game. Furthermore, Gerard Moreno showed his huge potential and not only went down constantly to help on carrying the ball out, but he also worked hard defensively. Outstanding performance by the Spanish forward.
Cholo was late once again on making substitutions, prisoner of his conservative attitude. His three changes barely made any difference and so Atlético drop another two points for the second time in a row this week, which holds them back from the title race.
