Atletico v Chelsea Giroud punishes Atletico’s approach
Atletico Madrid’s chances of making progress in the Champions League took a hit as they were beaten 1-0 Chelsea in the first leg of their last race in Bucharest.
The effective hosts implemented a conservative game plan in the Romanian capital, which they were deep into and took the pressure off them Thomas Tuchel‘s side.
It was Olivier Giroud which made the difference, however, with a brilliant winning goal to decide the game tonight.
Giroud’s winner as a beauty, as is often the case with the French World Cup winner. With Atletico’s solid block, it took something special to get Chelsea an away goal, with the bicycle kick one of the Champions League goals of the season so far.
After a disappointing recent string of results, Atletico failed to impress again. Their defensive tactics almost worked, but Simeone’s plan was unraveled as soon as Chelsea found a target. It is a sign that their waterproof nature is diminishing at the back.
Kieran Trippier has been absent for several weeks, but his suspension is still felt by this Atletico side. Simeone has not found a solution with the right-back, with Marcos Llorente last to try his hand in that position. The change in the Spaniard’s position did not help his game.
Referee Felix Brych, who handed out his first yellow card in the second minute of the match, did not stop. Mason Mount was booked for a foul on Joao Felix, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The difference between Spanish and European football is clear.