The hell of Glasgow could not withstand this Atlético de Madrid either, a rocky team, often indelicate, but this year they have recovered the virtue that only the greats have: finding the goal when they need it most. This is how they managed to advance in a scenario full of obstacles, in which Celtic sailed with the current in their favor throughout the first half. But the colchoneros, who had accumulated six consecutive victories before this match, rallied twice to achieve the tie and even deserved the victory in the final stretch.
Since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, the Catholic team has left behind the prehistoric British football of long balls and disdain for possession. The current Celtic is an entertaining team, very offensive and with the intention of pleasing as well as winning. The equation is completed with a dedicated stand, one of the most powerful in Europe when it comes to influencing the tempo of a match. All of this took its toll on an Atlético team that was limited with the ball and strangely contemplative in defense.
From the beginning, the game was an exercise in constant suffering for the Colchonero team. As if that were not enough, it took Celtic just three minutes to take the lead on the scoreboard. The Japanese Furuhashi teamed up with O’Riley from the right to get into the six-yard box and beat Oblak with a cross shot.
The Scots wanted more and continued to hit Oblak’s goal, but as the minutes passed, Griezmann managed to get into the game and the team and the midfield began to step into the rival area. In one of those few arrivals, Nahuel Molina invented a penalty that was much discussed by the locals. Joe Hart, The Bhoys’ long-time goalkeeper, stopped Griezmann’s shot, who saw how the ball, after hitting the post, returned to his position to score a goal.
Fortunately, Atlético was very much alive in the game. But it was a mirage and this was reflected by Rodgers’ team three minutes later. On this occasion it was the other Japanese member of the Scottish team, Maeda, who came into action from the left and his cross was finished off by the Honduran Luis Palma with a beautiful outside shot. Celtic Park was roaring again. Simeone regretted again.
It was not until after the break, and thanks to the entry of Riquelme and Llorente, that Atlético went for control of the match. And again, when he tried, he did a lot of damage to Cetic. It was precisely Llorente who directed a counterattack and Morata finished his cross after a bounce and with a fantastic technical gesture that completely fooled the goalkeeper. The Madrid native continues his streak and has already scored eight goals in all competitions.
It was Atlético’s moment in the game. Celtic were tired and the crowd was no longer cheering in the same way. However, a late tackle by De Paul cost him expulsion and with that Atlético had to protect the point as if it were a loot.
