It wasn’t a very convincing performance from both sides as they registered a combined total of only three shots on target in the entire match.
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Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone was satisfied with his side’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Champions League first leg fixture at Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday. Joao Felix headed home from Renan Lodi’s cross to put the hosts ahead early in the match. Manchester United pushed hard for the equaliser in the second half and finally got it ten minutes from time, when Elanga latched on to Bruno Fernandes’ pass and slotted home past Jan Oblak.
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? @Simeone analyzes, in press conference, the keys of the Atleti-United. https://t.co/i31bTYb4ou
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 23, 2022
It wasn’t a very convincing performance from both sides as they registered a combined total of only three shots on target in the entire match. After taking the lead inside the opening eight minutes, Simeone’s side resorted to a defensive tactics and that worked very well for a major period of the game until Elanga leveled the score on 80 minutes.
Fernandes slid the ball through for Elanga, Lodi failed to cut the pass and the 19 year-old was through on goal. He maintained his composure and deposited the ball into the far bottom corner.
Meanwhile Atletico were the better side on the night as they created the better chances, hitting the post twice. Sime Vrasljko’s header from Lodi’s cross deflected off Victor Lindelof’s face before hitting the crossbar. And then, five minutes from time, substitute Antonio Griezmann’s curler struck the bar from Marcos Llorente’s pass.
“They took advantage of the only mistake in a very good match,” Simeone said post-match as carried by Marca. “Reinildo [Mandava] wanted to anticipate, although holding tight would have been a better option. The forwards’ job wasn’t easy but I’m left with a lot of good things. I have no doubt that this is the way.
“Almost everything we did in the game was very good,” the Argentine continued. “It appears that they have the advantage, but nothing changes. Our goal was a very good action. A great cross from Lodi and a great finish from Joao. I’m leaving this game satisfied. We didn’t do enough to win but the tie is open.”
