Atlético de Madrid fell at Bernabéu against Real Madrid (2-1) in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Despite not being a great match, Simeone's team left an impression that invites optimism for the return match at the Metropolitano. Among those who highlighted the team's attitude is Kiko Narváez, a former rojiblanco player and current analyst, who stated that the colchoneros showed they can compete in the tie.
Kiko Highlights Atlético de Madrid's Play and Attitude
In his column in AS, Kiko Narváez analyzed Atlético de Madrid's defeat. Far from seeing it as a negative result, he insisted that Simeone's team had phases of great dominance and made it clear they can come back in the return leg.
"Atlético took a jewelry result for the return, and that's despite Cholo's men dreaming of taking a good ingot in 70% of the match." These were Kiko's words, highlighting how the team reacted after Rodrygo's initial goal and managed to equalize with a brilliance from Julián.
The former rojiblanco forward also emphasized the team's collective effort: "The rojiblanco play and solidarity leave the quarterfinals as a possible dream." For Kiko, Atlético won the battle in many individual duels and only lacked a bit more conviction to have scored the second goal.
Key Points for the Comeback at the Metropolitano
Kiko Narváez also analyzed some aspects that Atlético de Madrid will need to improve in the return leg if they want to turn the tie around. In his opinion, the team lacked more daring on the left wing and more involvement from Pablo Barrios to relieve Rodrigo De Paul, who finished the match exhausted.
He also pointed out that the team, after conceding Brahim Díaz's second goal, was more focused on defending than seeking the equalizer, something that will need to change at the Metropolitano. Despite the defeat, the general feeling is that Atlético de Madrid has real chances of eliminating Madrid if they maintain the intensity shown at Bernabéu. The Metropolitano will be key, and the rojiblanco fans are already excited about the comeback, supported by Kiko Narváez's words, who sees the team ready to fight until the end.