Arda Turan and Antoine Griezmann Cameos Take Atletico to Victory in Madrid Derby
By Nick Dorrington,
Second-half introductions of Arda Turan and Antoine Griezmann played a key role in Atletico Madrid's superb 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
Atletico went ahead in the 10th minute when Tiago headed home Koke's in-swinging corner at the near post, but they were forced back thereafter by a determined Madrid side aligned in an attacking 4-4-2 formation.
Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot on 26 minutes and played a prominent part in the swift, sharp counter-attacks that cut through the Atletico defence regularly during the first half.
Atletico gained a little more control in the opening exchanges of the second half but were still on the back foot before two substitutions just past the hour mark turned the match in their favour.
It was perhaps surprising that substitutions were not considered sooner. Mexican striker Raul Jimenez endured a difficult first half, and many, including football writer Andy West, were calling for Turan or Griezmann to be introduced in his place at the interval.
The first of the substitutions eventually occurred in the 61st minute, when Turan replaced Gabi. Four minutes later, Griezmann came on in place of Jimenez.
Atletico had struggled to make an impression on the home defence up to that point, with Jimenez and Mario Mandzukic well marshalled by Pepe and Sergio Ramos. A relative lack of pace in the forward line allowed Madrid's defence to squeeze up into midfield.
That all changed once the slick-dribbling Turan and speedy Griezmann entered the picture. Together, they helped Atletico move forward with greater purpose and create the chances that took them to victory.
Turan cut inside and fired just wide from the left of the area at 73 minutes, before heading it over the goal under pressure at the far post a few minutes later.
The decisive moment came in the 76th minute.
Griezmann did superbly in tight confines, working the ball down the line to Juanfran. The full-back advanced and picked out Turan, who placed a calm finish into the corner of the net.
It was a nonchalantly executed and celebrated goal—the work of a player of genuine quality.
Atletico comfortably held on thereafter to take the three points and may have added further gloss to the scoreline had Griezmann not fired into the side netting after sprinting away from Pepe in the final minute.
The introduction of this talented pair helped turn the match in Atletico's favour and also illustrated the depth of attacking quality Diego Simeone has at his disposal this season.
While his individual attackers are not likely to replicate the production of last season's top scorer Diego Costa, together they provide him with a variety of styles that will give him plenty of options over the course of the season.
Adrian and David Villa followed Costa out the exit door, but entering were Alessio Cerci, Griezmann, Jimenez and Mandzukic—scorers of a combined 63 league goals (h/t Soccerway.com) last season.
In acquiring four quality players to replace three, Atletico have further options in the wide midfield positions, where Turan competes with Koke and Raul Garcia for a starting berth. Cristian Rodriguez and Saul provide further back-up.
For Atletico to win the league even once was incredible in light of the huge financial advantage enjoyed by Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, Saturday's result suggests that they can be counted on to put up a strong fight to retain their crown.
With a greater number of quality options when changes are required, Atletico look poised to be there once more come the end of the season.
