The high intensity clash between table toppers, Real Madrid and third-placed Atletico Madrid was expected to be a visual treat for fans from both clubs. But it turned out to be a day to forget for siders of Real, as Atletico ran amok through a lifeless Los Blancos beating them 4-0.
Real Madrid, without the service of its main defenders, Sergio Ramos(Injured), Pepe(Injured) and Marcelo(Suspended) were still expected to go the distance and beat a team(Atletico Madrid) which it hasn’t beaten in five previous games. The return of Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to give the team a huge boost but it wasn’t to be.
Atletico were a better team than Real from the starting whistle and outplayed the boys in white in every field of play. Tackles, aerial challenges, shots, saves, name them and Atletico were far better than Real, in all. The summary was that Atletico were against a side which was just Real Madrid in name and never in game.
The scoring spree started when Tiago opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Saul Niguez, a substitute for Koke struck a brilliant bicycle kick to double the lead. Real held deperately to avoid another goal before half-time and somehow was relieved to have not conceded another blow. But the ripping continued after half-time as Diego Simeone’s army laid seige to Real Madrid’s goal, continually attacking Casillas with heavy blows. As Real’s defence weakened again, the probing Antoine Griezmann struck home in the 67th minute while Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic put the last nail in Real’s coffin with a death blow in the 89th minute.
Diego Simeone praised his team for the wonderful effort but also warned them not to get complacent as they will have to win the title to prove their worth. He was all praise for Niguez, saying that he expected the 20-year old to be the future for Atletico.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said that the loss was his worst nightmare at Real Madrid. He gave all credit to Atletico, praising them for their effort and brilliance.
“It is easy to analyse this game because Atletico were better in every facet of the game. They deserved to win. They beat us in every aspect; fight, play, organisation and second balls. Not one Real Madrid player did well. It was the worst game we have played since I have been here”
said an upset Ancelotti.
He said that they need to introspect a lot before their next game against Deportivo on Valentine’s Day.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remained adamant that Real Madrid are a better side than Atletico. He further said that it would just be a matter of time before Atletico gets a ‘Real’ taste of them.
The Star striker however conceded defeat, alleging the loss to lack of enthusiasm and preparation.
“We lacked enthusiasm and we were not mentally or physically fresh. Nothing worked today. It is a day to forget”
said the Portuguese forward.
Ronaldo said that Real cannot afford to lose any more points and that he was relieved it was just three points they lost.
“These were three points that we lost. No more.”
Real Madrid needs to sit down and formulate a game-plan against Atletico, as they still have not figured a way to beat Simeone’s Los Rojiblancos. They however continue to be the league leaders with a 4-point cushion over second placed Barcelona and Atletico in third.
Barcelona can reduce the gap to just one point if they win their away game against Athletic Bilbao. With the attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez in its side, Barcelona are expected to cruise through pretty easily.