2-1: Tough Defeat with controversial decision at the Metropolitano

UD Almería were defeated at the Cívitas Metropolitano by in-form Atletico de Madrid. Although the hosts dominated the game and fashioned numerous scoring chances, the UD Almeria players managed to reach the final stretch alive, including two penalties claimed by the Indálicos that were not awarded in the end. 

 

Three centre-backs as well as two wingers including Kaiky and Mendes were named in the Starting XI; Samú, Robertone and Melero protected the midfield. Léo Baptistão and Luis Suarez, up front.

 

The march kicked off and Griezmann  scored a header from a corner on 4 minutes (1-0). As a result, UD Almería had to defend deeper to block the continuous attacks from the Colchoneros until the break.

 

UD Almería began to have more options in the second half; stood firm at the back. The team was no longer as scared as at the beginning and tried it in the offensive aspect. With 37 minutes on the clock, Léo Baptistão equalised by beating Oblak with a shot taken from a wide position after losing an Atlético ball. The Indálicos silenced the Cívitas Metropolitano, although for a short time because within 44 minutes, Griezmann finished off a well-timed cross by Carrasco (2-1).

 

After the restart, At. Madrid bossed things and could not extend their lead anymore because of Fernando and the woodwork. UD Almería pulled their socks up in defence and as happened at the start of the first half, it was difficult for them to keep the ball. In the final minutes and with the substitutions made by Rubi, the Rojiblancos had options to score and were close to levelling it up. 

 

Two penalties were ignored, one for a handball by Giménez that was not whistled because Portillo had previously been offsides, and another for a possible push by Carrasco on Arnau Puigmal when he was about to finish off. In this last action there was no VAR review despite the protests of the Indálicos. Controversial end and tough defeat suffered by UD Almería after three consecutive Matchdays without losing.

 

 

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Nahuel Molina, Giménez, Witsel, Hermoso, Marcos Llorente, De Paul (Barrios, 78'), Koke, Carrasco, Griezmann and Correa (Morata, 64'). 

 

UD Almería: Fernando, Mendes (Arnau 58'), Kaiky (Embarba, 83'), Rodrigo Ely, Babić, Alex Centelles; Samú Costa, Melero (César de la Hoz, 67'), Robertone (Portillo, 67'), Leo Baptistão (Ramazani, 67') and Luis Suárez.

 

Goals: 1-0 (4'). Corner taken by At. Madrid and Griezmann heads in. 1-1 (37'). Léo Baptistão after giving the ball to a host defender. 2-1 (44'). Griezmann finishes off a cross from Carrasco.

 

Referee: Díez de Mera, from the Castilian-La Mancha Referees Association. He booked Marcos Llorente and Barrios, from At. Madrid, as well as Babić, Rodrigo Ely, Ramazani and head coach Rubi.

 

Observations: Matchday 29. Match played at the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium with the presence of 300 UD Almeria supporters in the stands.