Talking Points: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid

Pepe of Real Madrid celebrates their equalising goal during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon Stadium on April 27, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

1. Real Madrid is always a step ahead of Atletico.

There could have been perhaps no better chance for Atletico Madrid as Real Madrid started with a second-string line up with no Cristiano Ronaldo, Ozil, Casillas or Alonso. All was set for the Los Rojiblancos with Atletico in full control of the match with celebrated striker Falcao scoring an early goal within the first five minutes. But unfortunately, the joy lasted for few minutes as Real were quick to respond thanks to an own goal by Francisco Juanfran. Angel Di Maria then came up with the winner in the 63rd minute. It was Real’s tenth successive derby win.

Amusingly, the Real Madrid fans started a #WhenAtleticolastbeatMadrid trend last night where they would make a joke about how long it has been since Atletico had won against their arch rivals. (It has been 25 league games, just in case you are wondering. It was October 1999, I’m told.)

2. Di Maria could be crucial against Borussia Dortmund.

Angel di Maria of Real Madrid scores Real’s 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at estadio Vincente Calderon on April 27, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

The Argentine winger was left out on the bench on Wednesday night following the birth of his child, and it was suggested that he wasn’t mentally stable as his wife had troubles during the surgery. But his impeccable finish last night ensured that Real Madrid reduced Barcelona‘s lead at the top of the table to 11 points after the Catalans could only manage a 2-2 draw at Athletic Bilbao. He was also involved in the own goal scored by Juanfran who turned Di Maria’s free kick into his own goal and gave Real Madrid the equalizer. Angel was smart in his movement, even though he had as little as 31 touches of the ball as compared to his team-mates. He was constantly a threat on the right wing and wasn’t shy of tracking back to help Raul Albiol while defending. He made a total of 18 passes with 72% of success.

3. Simeone lost the tactical battle.

You must be spontaneous and quick with your decisions when a match of this magnitude is being played. Diego Simeone failed to do so unlike Jose, who was quick to respond to the early goal his team had conceded. Mourinho’s side were struggling, but they stood firm and tight to deny them a single point. Real Madrid sat tight and defended well, especially from the left where Castilla captain Nacho combined well with newly promoted Alvaro Morata. Adrian was brought into the match pretty late, with only thirty minutes to spare when it was clear that Diego Costa was having a nightmare. The Brazilian was in the spotlight for his theatrics and was getting into trouble almost every minute.

4. The merits do matter, but the goals are what count.

Heat map powered by Squwka clearly depicts that Atletico had a large quantity of possession in Madrid’s half.

Not my words. This is what Diego Simeone had to say later at the presser. Although a tight and rather physical match, Atletico were always in the front seat with all the long balls and shots targeted at the goal. The team played with width and was constantly looming around Real Madrid’s 18-yard box. Real Madrid on the other hand, just sat back and favoured timely long shots. Their was hardly any creativity or stability seen until Xabi Alonso came in, who again wasn’t in the best of his colours. Real Madrid were missing Cristiano Ronaldo who was reportedly injured. Atletico had chances to score their second on the 55th minute through Gabi but his shot let him down. Diego Costa was constantly troubling the Whites with his quick feet but he never succeeded in making it count. This performance could certainly be counted as a big morale promoter for the Atletico players who will be hoping to be more composed and productive in the upcoming final of the Copa del Rey.

#WhenAtleticolastbeatMadrid Ronaldo was a Brazilian – nobody had heard of Cristiano. Falcao was also a Brazilian; Radamel just a young boy.

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) April 27, 2013

#WhenAtleticolastbeatMadrid I was learning alphabets.

— OhMyRaúl (@mzshubham) April 27, 2013