2-1: UD Almería battle it out against Atlético de Madrid but ended up empty-handed
The Rojiblancos were very close to tying the game and the Colchoneros ended up having a hard time until the final whistle. The first half complicated the game for the Indálicos
UD Almería have once again deserved a better result in a match that was complicated in the first half with the goals from Morata and Correa, but that was fixed over the second half when the Indálicos pegged them back 1-2 and had many chances to have levelled it up, however, between Oblak and the Atlético de Madrid defence, they ensured that the Almeria team did not get the well-deserved goal award.
Gaizka Garitano's starting XI would have several new faces, especially in terms of the formation, since he opted for a 5-2-3. Maximiano was in goal; the defence counted on three centre-backs and two wingers: Pozo, Edgar, Montes, Chumi, Akieme; Lopy and Robertone linked up in the midfield and Embarba, Sergio Arribas and Léo Baptistão were up front. Both Pozo and Chumi regained starting spots while Mendes and Ramazani were subs.
As the head coach said in the pre-match press conference, he wanted to see a brave team that showed pride and, during the opening minutes of the first period, we could see it clearly, since, far from defending deep, they put pressure on Atlético de Madrid, however, the home side gave the visitors a good scare, Griezmann managed to score the opening goal, but it would end up being chalked off at the request of the VAR for offside. However, Simeone's team continued to press and fashion chances and Morata, after a great solo play, opened the scoring 1-0 in the 18th minute. But the Madrid-based team was not going to settle for one goal to their advantage. They continued looking for the second against a struggling UD Almería so in the 22nd minute, Correa doble the Colchoneros' lead 2-0 after an assist from Llorente.
It took a while to get going for the Rojiblancos. Reaching the 40th minute, UD Almería left their area and managed to reach Oblak's goal, putting him to the test to block several corner kicks in a row and having opportunities. The Rojiblancos tried with all their strength, but Atlético was very attentive to clear absolutely everything. The Indálicos did not give up their efforts to finish the first half in Oblak's area and they did so, there were good plays for the players from Almeria after a difficult first half.
The start of the second half was very good for UD Almería who, once again, put pressure on the Colchoneros, yet unlike the first half, that pressure had a reward; Embarba warned with a header that Oblak cleared, but finally, in the 62nd minute, the goal arrived, Baptistão slotted home.
The Indálicos breathed a sign of relief. Arribas was on the verge of breaking the deadlock after a good combinative play with Embarba, but Oblak would denied them again. UD Almería did not give up until the final whistle, they went all out for the goal in every way possible, but despite deserving the tie, they did not get it and would end up losing another match, although with an Atlético that ended up having a hard time to protect their area.
