Atlético de Madrid's convincing victory secures their place in the Champions League round of 16 and avoids a dangerous preliminary phase. The red-and-white team took to the Red Bull Arena intending to dominate Salzburg and target the Austrian side's goal from the start. The "colchoneros" quickly took the lead thanks to a great play by Giuliano Simeone, finishing from inside the box.
However, it didn't stop there, as they continuously sought spaces against one of the weakest clubs in the entire competition, showing too many defensive weaknesses. Simeone's intention was to replicate the match against Sparta Prague, where they dominated all aspects from start to finish. Giuliano Simeone started off well and assisted Antoine Griezmann to secure a spot among the top eight in the competition and double the lead.
Giuliano Simeone shines again
Atlético de Madrid wanted to solve the last commitment against Salzburg quickly and practically sealed the result in the first half. Giuliano Simeone was the author of the first goal for the red-and-whites after controlling a good ball inside the box and perfectly crossing his shot to reach the net. However, the "colchonero" team was not satisfied, continuing to press high and attack one of the weakest opponents in the entire Champions League.
A great pass from Rodrigo de Paul allowed, once again, Giuliano Simeone to dribble past the goalkeeper and set up the second goal of the match for Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman needed that goal more than anyone after weeks of much murmuring and criticism for that penalty he had missed earlier in Leganés. In fact, very little threat from the locals, whose only weapon was speed and trying to steal some ball in the opposing half, almost an impossible task.
Objective achieved in Europe
Although it might have seemed impossible in the summer, the "colchoneros" have managed to reach the tournament's round of 16, qualifying among the top eight. It was a great challenge for Simeone, as he had to face important teams like PSG or Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, the two consecutive defeats against Benfica and Lille made things much more complicated in the standings, a miracle for many fans.
However, the rest of the results must align to climb more positions, as the rivals ahead can't win their matches. Even so, it's great news that the "colchonero" team avoids a preliminary knockout round where they could be eliminated from the tournament. It should not be forgotten that the first leg of that new phase will coincide right after the Madrid classic they must play against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu.