Simeone's approach at Bernabéu has been one of the most debated topics following Atlético's 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. From some sectors, especially among Madrid fans, his proposal has been labeled as "cowardly." This has sparked a heated defense by journalist Rubén Uría on ElDesmarque's Twitch.
Rubén Uría didn't hold back and made it clear that these criticisms are unfair and opportunistic: "With the 1-1 and the game under control, Atlético was on the attack. Who was the coward? Simeone or Ancelotti? Since they lost 2-1, they say Simeone is the coward. I'm not a football scholar, but calling him a coward seems very gratuitous to me," the journalist pointed out.
Griezmann's Substitution for Le Normand Under Scrutiny
One of Simeone's most questioned moves was the substitution of Antoine Griezmann for Robin Le Normand, which some interpreted as a step back. However, Uría defended the Argentine's decision, arguing that Atlético was already playing with a back five and that, at that moment, he was looking to avoid a 3-1.
"He took off Barrios and De Paul because he wanted to fortify the midfield. He wanted nothing more to happen, and in fact, Madrid was close to making it 3-1. He saw that Atlético's moment had already passed," Uría explained.
The Return at the Metropolitano: The Final Judgment
For the journalist, the real analysis should be made after the return match at the Metropolitano, not before. He believes that if Atlético manages to come back and eliminate Real Madrid, it will be proven that Simeone's plan was the right one.
"If in the return leg Real Madrid advances, I understand that they say Cholo was wrong because with the 2-1 he didn't go all out. But if at the Metropolitano Atlético advances, who was wrong?" Uría concluded.
The journalist also lashed out at those who criticize Atlético de Madrid's style, leaving a strong statement that has caused much stir. "It's very easy to talk about cowardly tactics. But those who talk about cowardly tactics are usually the cowards."