When Diego Pablo Simeone arrived at Atlético de Madrid back in December 2011, his teams averaged less than one goal conceded per game. At that time, Atlético de Madrid's defence was the closest thing to a sieve and Cholo Simeone came with the intention of removing that stigma.
It would soon begin to take effect and Atlético would build on its achievements based on a defensive solidity rarely seen. The forward was the first to defend, the midfielders bit at every ball and the defenders carried out a staunch defence of the area rarely penetrated by rivals. Added to this was a team committed to the cause, leaving little space between the lines and inside.
All of this is something that the red-and-white fans have been missing in recent years and which has led to instability in parts of previous seasons. Turning towards a way of playing that perhaps neither Simeone nor Atlético de Madrid feel fully identified with has served to realise many things.
Third game with a clean sheet
It's not a title, nor is it a guarantee of anything, but it is a ray of hope to recover that defensive solidity of yesteryear. Simeone's team played a game yesterday that you could sign with that defense that every Atlético fan knew by heart: Filipe - Godín - Miranda - Juanfran . A game in which few things happen, you are under control at all times and the first time they get ahead, they crush you.
Diego Pablo's script was back in full force at a stadium where he has not won a single one of his last five games. "It was important to come away with a clean slate at half-time," said Cholo Simeone, aware that this is a more important aspect at San Mamés than at other stadiums.
Atlético de Madrid closed the door
The good performance of Juan Musso , who arrived at Atlético de Madrid a few days ago, should not go unnoticed. However, the merits in this match must go to the three central defenders that Cholo Simeone lined up.
Robin Le Normand arrived to bring the team the solidity it lacked and also adds the ball control that divides the ball as it advances metres. 5/8 duels won, 90% passing accuracy and 2 fouls committed. A defensive bastion that also brings the ball out well.
Jose Maria Gimenez has seemed like a different person since the arrival of the new physical trainer, Luis Piñedo. When he is healthy, he is one of the best centre-backs in the world: 99% passing accuracy, 3/4 duels won and 9/10 long passes completed. He takes no prisoners and goes for every ball as if it were his last.
Renildo Mandava is back in form after the serious injury he suffered against Real Madrid. He dried up Nico Williams once again and was dominant in his part of the field. 80% passing accuracy and 4/5 duels won were his statistics last night.
It is important to make a special mention of Marcos Llorente and Samu Lino who provided constant support to the centre-back on each side. After all, defending is the task of the whole team, although the credit or criticism usually goes to the centre-backs.