Atlético de Madrid left Bernabéu with a bittersweet feeling after the 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. A result that, according to former rojiblanco player Kiko Narváez, doesn't reflect the effort and play displayed by Simeone's team.
Kiko Narváez's Analysis: "Atlético Dreamed of Taking a Gold Bar"
The now commentator didn't hesitate to express his opinion after the match, stating that Atlético had moments to achieve a better result. In his analysis, Kiko claimed that the colchonero team "took a jewelry result for the return leg, and that in 70% of the match they dreamed of taking a good gold bar."
Atlético started on the back foot after Rodrygo's stunning goal, but managed to react and take control of the match, equalizing thanks to a brilliance from Julián. For Kiko, at that moment the team had the match where they wanted and could have done more damage to Ancelotti's side.
Match Keys: Lack of Boldness and De Paul's Fatigue
The former Atlético de Madrid forward highlighted two aspects that marked the outcome of the match: the lack of boldness on the left wing and the physical exhaustion of Rodrigo De Paul. "They held on until the best midfielder, De Paul, ran out of energy. I missed a bit more prominence from Barrios to relieve the Argentine," Kiko commented, pointing out that the rojiblanco midfield lost strength in the crucial minutes.
He also considered that Atlético could have taken more risks in attack to try to secure the victory. "There was a lack of more conviction to score the second and more risks from Griezmann to hurt Madrid," he opined.
Optimism for the Return Leg at the Metropolitano
Despite the defeat, Kiko Narváez believes that Atlético de Madrid has real chances to come back in the return leg at the Metropolitano. The key will be to maintain the intensity and solidarity shown at Bernabéu, but with more determination in the final meters.
The 2-1 leaves the tie open, and Simeone's team will have a golden opportunity to turn the result around with the support of their fans. As Kiko says, Atlético can still dream of the quarterfinals.