Football. Atlético Madrid revived and sank Valladolid
Atlético Madrid, after a home defeat against Barça then a draw at Almeria, bounced back with rookie Memphis Depay by dominating the Valladolid side on their worst ever showing (3-0), Saturday 21 January during day 18 of the Spanish Championship.
Still seven lengths behind Real Sociedad
With their ninth win of the season, Diego Simeone’s side consolidate their fourth place (31 points), but are still seven lengths behind Real Sociedad (3rd). The Basque formation did win 2-0 at down Rayo Vallecano (9) a little earlier in the afternoon, with goals from Norway’s Alexander Sorloth (15) and Ander Barrenetxea (36).
Valladolid, on the other hand, recorded a fourth successive La Liga defeat at Madrid, and temporarily remained in 17th place, but were able to quickly integrate the carts of the three relegated teams. Indeed, Cadiz (18), Sevilla FC (19) and Elche (20) are yet to play. Sevilla host Cadiz this Saturday evening, while Elche will host Osasuna (7th) on Sunday.
Leaders Barcelona (41 points) and Real Madrid (2.38 points) will also play Sunday, against Getafe (15) and on-field Athletic Bilbao (8) respectively. Atlético Madrid, whose Copa del Rey win on Wednesday against Levante (2-0) boosted their morale, was therefore confirmed on Saturday, facing a weak side from Valladolid, trailing 3-0 after just 28 minutes.
Depay first
With Dutch rookie Memphis Depay left on the bench at kick-off, Madrid opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Alvaro Morata. The Spain international, alerted by Antoine Griezmann’s fine heel, tricked Jordi Masip with a cross after knocking out Morocco centre-back Jawad El-Yamiq. The Colchoneros then stunned their opponents with two new goals scored in five minutes.
Griezmann took over first by taking over triumphantly at near post and with a right-footed cross from Argentinian Molina (23), then Mario Hermoso scored in two stages, taking over the ball which Masip kept out with a header, on reception. free from Griezmann (28).
“This goal will help me a lot morally”
The latter, author of his sixth goal of the season and in what was a particularly remarkable game, was replaced by Yannick Carrasco in the second half (56th) and was left to a standing ovation. “I am very pleased with the performance of the team”the Frenchman then alerted the DAZN channel. “We have played well since the World Cup, with intensity, hard work and creating chances, but we lost goals”.
“I’m also mostly at fault because I had chances and I didn’t concludehe continued. This goal will help me a lot morally to score goals for others”. After scoring three goals, Atlético appeared to slow down to manage the game in a calm manner, even surrendering possession to Valladolid.
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The Colchoneros, however, came close to scoring a fourth when Argentine attacking midfielder Angel Correa’s shot hit Masip’s left and right posts after crossing the line. Therefore, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle, although Memphis Depay made a great debut in his new shirt, in the 75th minute, replacing Morata.
