Atletico Madrid 1-1 Valencia: 3 Talking Points as Valencia hold off Simeone's men | LaLiga 2019-20

It was a cracking game at the Wanda Metropolitano as Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid hosted Valencia.

The hosts were in control for much of the game, especially in the first half, as they dominated the final third, sending shots incessantly at the Valencia goal. However, they met with stiff resistance, with Los Che's rearguard standing firm.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute, as Denis Cheryshev is adjudged to have handled the ball in his penalty area. Diego Costa stepped up to the plate, cooly sending the ball past Jasper Cillessen from the spot. Atleti had the advantage at halftime.

After the break, the visitors took the fight to Atletico Madrid, as Los Che missed a couple of gilt-edged chances. The visitors, however, were handed a fortuitous numerical advantage in the game, as Atletico Madrid was reduced to ten men due to a Joao Felix injury in the 80th minute. Two minutes later, Los Che drew level, thanks to a delightful freekick by Daniel Parejo from 25 yards.

In this article, we discuss a few talking points from the matchup.

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#1 Atletico Madrid continues to flounder in front of goal

Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid manager

The capital club has been somewhat tame in front of goal this season, and the trend continued in this game. Diego Simeone's men had a lot of the ball in this contest, and the likes of Joao Felix and Diego Costa peppered the Valencia penalty area with lots of attempts.

However, the bulk of those shots were not on target, as Jasper Cillessen delightfully witnessed one too many Atleti shots zip harmlessly past his goalmouth.

Simeone's charges had a total of 15 shots in this game, with a paltry 3 on target. That's certainly not good enough, especially with the stellar talent Atleti has upfront. Their thrifty nature in front of goal this season has seen them draw one too many games, and this was Atleti's 4th draw in their last 5 LaLiga outings.

In their last 6 matches, Atleti has only managed to score 3 goals, with just a single win in that sequence of games. Simeone's men continue to lose ground on the league table.

#2 VAR to the rescue!

Football fans express their reservations about VAR

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is one that has divided opinions long before its inception this year, with people on either side of the divide making valid points. However, the technology has continually garnered plaudits since its adoption across Europe this term, and in this matchup, it reared its beautiful head once again.

In the 34th minute, Denis Cheryshev blocked a Diego Costa cross with his arm, but the official waved the game on amid cries of penalty from the men in stripes. After due consultation with VAR, the referee awarded a spot-kick which Diego Costa calmly dispatched for the game's opener.

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#3 Joao Felix comes off injured

Atletico Madrid's teen sensation - Joao Felix (middle)

Perhaps the biggest sticking point for Diego Simeone aside the dropped points was the injury to his €126 million man - Joao Felix.

The Portuguese teen sensation was outstanding once again for his team, as he darted in and around the Valencia penalty area, linking up with his teammates time and again, as well as popping shots at Jasper Cillessen's goal.

Sadly for the 19-year-old, in the 80th minute, he twisted his ankle as he fought for ball possession with Daniel Parejo. He had to be taken off to the consternation of Simeone who had already used all 3 of his allotted substitutions. Atleti finished the game with 10 men.

In his post-match presser, the Atletico Madrid manager confirmed the team doctors declared the damage could be serious, and the 19-year-old prodigy will have to undergo tests to understand the severity of the injury.