2024-01-22 22:36:15
The Rojiblancos struggled to a working victory against committed but harmless Andalusians. Atletico jumps to fourth place, Granada remains in a relegation zone.
Atletico scored his header to win in Granada: Alvaro Morata. IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
At the end of the 21st matchday, penultimate Granada met fifth-placed Atletico Madrid, who had knocked city rivals Real Madrid out of the cup after extra time four days earlier. In comparison, Diego Simeone made four substitutions: Koke and de Paul, among others, stayed out at the beginning. A former Bundesliga player, former Dortmund player Axel Witsel, also started in the defensive back three. With shooting star Bryan Zaragoza, who will play for FC Bayern from next season, the hosts had a future Bundesliga player in the starting line-up.
The first half was uneventful. The hosts started the game courageously and with offensive drive, without seriously endangering Atletico. The Madrilenians needed a good 20 minutes to get into the game and then became more active themselves. However, dangerous chances remained in short supply on both sides.
Rojiblancos come out of the locker room strong
Boyé (11th) and Zaragoza (29th) had shots for Granada – but both went past or over the goal. Atletico’s most dangerous situations were whistled back: Morata ran alone towards Granada keeper Batalla, but was offside (30th). Griezmann shot onto the crossbar, but teammate LLorente had previously fouled Granada’s Carlos Neva (33′).
After the break, Atletico improved significantly and had several opportunities. The most dangerous of these was Lino, who came on as a half-time substitute, but was denied by Batalla (50′). Four minutes later the time had come: After Griezmann’s cross from the half field, Morata came free in the center to head the ball – 1-0 for Atletico. After a VAR check lasting several minutes because Morata may have been in a suspicious offside position, the goal was awarded.
After the strong start, the Rojiblancos took a step back and switched to administration mode. Granada continued to try, but it took until the 78th minute to have a good opportunity. After a corner, Witsel cleared a shot from Bruno Mendez just in front of the line with his head.
Atletico saves victory over time in the end
The stoppage time then got heated again: After Atletico missed a double chance to make it 2-0 through Griezmann (post) and Correa (failed by Batalla), substitute Gimenez headed his hand in his own penalty area. The Andalusian Bank in particular protested vehemently. But there was no penalty for the hosts.
The Rojiblancos saved a very lucky victory over time. Ten strong minutes at the start of the second half were enough for Diego Simeone’s team to score the winning goal. Granada tried hard throughout the game, but were unable to create enough compelling opportunities to seriously threaten Atletico.
With the win, the Madrilenians jump to fourth place and will compete again on Thursday. Then it’s the cup quarter-finals against Sevilla FC (9 p.m.). Granada FC remains second to last and will face Getafe FC in La Liga next Monday (9 p.m.).
1705965064
#Moratas #goal #Atletico #wins #Granada