Atlético needs attack to start clicking again against City
MADRID (AP) — This time, protection alone received’t be sufficient to maintain Atlético Madrid alive within the Champions League.
Diego Simeone’s staff wants its assault to get up if it desires to beat the 1-0 first-leg loss to Manchester Metropolis within the quarterfinals of the European competitors.
The staff was held scoreless and managed a complete of 1 shot on track in its final two matches. To succeed in its first Champions League semifinals since 2017, Atlético wants its stars to step up when Metropolis visits on Wednesday.
João Félix, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suárez have mixed to attain solely 4 targets since early March — two by Félix and two by Suárez in the identical Spanish league sport. Matheus Cunha and Ángel Correa, the opposite Atlético forwards, additionally haven’t helped a lot not too long ago, being unable to attain since February.
Apart from the double towards last-place Alavés on April 2, Félix is scoreless in six matches in all competitions. Suárez hasn’t discovered the online since Feb. 19. The 35-year-old Uruguay striker was key for Atlético in its Spanish league title-winning marketing campaign final 12 months however has performed a decreased position this marketing campaign.
Griezmann has been struggling probably the most, although, with no targets in 9 consecutive matches in a scoreless streak that dates again to a Copa del Rey match in January. The 31-year-old France ahead returned to Atlético this season after a lackluster stint with Barcelona however hasn’t totally met expectations.
Simeone rested Félix towards Mallorca on Saturday and began with Suárez and Griezmann in assault, however they struggled in a 1-0 loss that left the staff fourth within the league standings with seven rounds to go, at risk of not securing a Champions League spot subsequent season.
Atlético had just one shot on track towards relegation-threatened Mallorca and none within the first leg towards Metropolis.
In addition to offensive struggles, Atlético’s current dwelling report in European competitions additionally has been disappointing. It hasn’t received in its final six dwelling video games within the Champions League, with 4 attracts and two losses. It misplaced to Liverpool and AC Milan this season, with attracts towards Porto within the group stage and Manchester United within the first leg of the spherical of 16.
To make it worse, the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium received’t be at full capability on Wednesday after UEFA charged the membership with “discriminatory habits” and ordered a 5,000-seat part of the stadium to be closed after an Atlético fan was filmed making a Nazi salute within the first leg in Manchester. Atlético may also need to show a UEFA banner there, saying “#NoToRacism.”
Atlético’s protection, which has carried the staff below Simeone in recent times, was largely efficient in Manchester and might be boosted by the return of José María Giménez, who missed the primary leg due to a muscle damage. Midfielder Héctor Herrera was listed as uncertain due to a muscle damage.
Not having the away-goals rule in place this season might be key for Atlético after it failed to attain in England.
Taking part in within the quarterfinals for the sixth time in 9 seasons, the Spanish membership is looking for its first Champions League title.
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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni
