Atletico Madrid did not shine on Sunday but did their homework against Levante for the 19th round of the Spanish Championship, La Liga. With Griezmann’s goal, the team won the match for the minimum score at the Estadio Metropolitano and got to 38 points, remaining in the vice-lead of the competition, led by Barcelona, which adds 40 and still plays this afternoon – receives Eibar, in the Camp Nou.
The victory over Levante was the 250th of coach Diego Simeone ahead of Atletico Madrid. In all, there are 168 victories in the Spanish Championship, 33 in the Champions League, 21 in the Europa League, 25 in the King’s Cup, two in the European Super Cup and one in the Spanish Super Cup. Its use is 61.42% in 407 games.
The team led by Diego Simeone was superior in practically the whole game but found difficulties in piercing the opponent’s defense. The goal came only after 12 minutes of the second half after referee Pietro Iglesias awarded the hosts a penalty for a handball from Vukcevic. Antoine Griezmann stepped up and did not waste, which was his eighth goal in this edition of the Spanish Championship.
At the front, Atletico changed their strategy on the pitch and started to expect possible counterattacks, as Levante advanced their players, surely, looking for that equalizer. Atletico took the W, but had one L. The loss was due to the defender Savic, who was replaced as early as eight minutes because of muscle problems. The Uruguayan Jose Giménez came in his place.
Atletico Madrid now turn their attention to the second game of the Round of 16 tie. Next Wednesday, Colchoneros will host Girona at the Metropolitano stadium – the aggregate score is 1 to 1. Already for the Spanish Championship, the next challenge is in front of the lantern Huesca, next Saturday.