Atlético Madrid were left frustrated again on Saturday night, as new boys Leganés held them to a 0-0 draw in the first ever Primera División match at the Municipal de Butarque.
Like Alavés last week, the hosts sat back and invited Atleti to try and break them down but once again, Cholo’s men were unable to turn any of their chances into a winning goal.
However, unlike in our opening match we didn’t play well, and lacked the urgency and intensity that Cholo would’ve wanted against the La Liga new boys.
Antoine Griezmann’s return to the XI provided a boost pre-match, but he did little to change our fortunes in front of goal and was fairly quiet throughout, apart from a few moments.
He did fashion probably our best chance of the opening period, but Leganés’ keeper Serantes was equal to his angled right-footed volley, as he was to just about everything else.
Early in the second half, Gameiro fashioned opening for himself after a good run into the box, but Serantes again came to the rescue to deny his powerful shot at goal.
Simeone brought on Carrasco and Torres to try and break the deadlock, but they too were kept out by the Basque ‘keeper. In truth though, he probably had a quieter evening than he would’ve expected.
The game fizzled out, with Atleti fans left ruing their luck against another team happy to defend, soak up the pressure and fight for every ball. It’s fair to say that they beat us at our own game.
Next up is an international break, before a difficult month that includes trips to Balaídos, Camp Nou and Mestalla as well as the return of the Champions League.
Player ratings:
Jan Oblak – 5
Had very little to do, with Lega not registering a shot on target. Might as well have been another frustrated Atleti fan in the crowd.
Juanfran – 5
Offered himself as always in attack, but his final ball was poor and he was guilty of a few lapses on and off the ball. Not a great start to the season.
Diego Godín – 6
Probably the only player in the team that showed the required amount of desire and urgency. Made sure we remained tight at the back and stopped any Leganés counters.
Stefan Savic – 5
Again, he may as well have been a spectator for much of it. Secure as always, tidy on the ball and switched on when needed.
Filipe Luís – 7 (Man of the match)
Probably our most dangerous attacking player for the second game in a row, which says everything about the two performances. Crossing needs to be more consistent.
Augusto Fernández – 6
Good in the first half, tidying up in the defence and doing a lot of work that will have gone unnoticed. Sacrified with 20 minutes to go as we chased the winner.
Gabi – 5
Again Cholo took him off, which we feel may not have been the wisest move given his influence on the rest of the team at least. Still, looks a little tired after last year’s heroics.
Koke – 4
Day to forget for the Spanish international. Had the right ideas but nothing seemed to come off. Deliveries both from set pieces and in general play way off his best.
Saúl – 5
Not the type of wide player for games where we need to break the opposition down and create chances. Like most of the team, he wasn’t really at the races today.
Antoine Griezmann – 5
Started brightly but faded, which is perhaps a little understandable given this is his first game back. Usually the man we look to when in need of a goal but he didn’t deliver.
Kevin Gameiro – 6
One of our better performers, unlucky to be taken off so early on. Made some good runs and almost fashioned a goal out of nothing. Hoping he stays in the team.
Subs
Yannick Carrasco – 6
Often provides the energy and drive off the bench when we need it, but was ineffective on the most part. Still, he showed some intent which can’t be said of a few others.
Fernando Torres – 5
Really should’ve done better with a late headed chance. Didn’t do a great deal otherwise, we felt that Correa would’ve been a better choice to come on in a game like this.
Nico Gaitán – N/A
What did you make of the performance? Are you worried at all about our form?