Griezmann y Julián Álvarez destacan en Mestalla

Griezmann and Julián Álvarez make it easy at Mestalla

Atlético tightens the race for the top spot with Barcelona and Madrid with three points demanded by Valencia only in the second half

Atlético Madrid defeated (0-3) Valencia this Saturday in matchday 25 of LaLiga EA Sports thanks to a great first half, with a great connection between Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, putting pressure back on for the top spot despite Valencia’s attempt to react in the second half at Mestalla.

Diego Pablo Simeone’s men secured the three points with a high-quality first half, with clear ideas and a great performance from their two best players. Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez were on fire, with one assisting and the other scoring in their moment of grace, leaving a 0-2 scoreline that could have been higher.

The red and white team dominated with ease, causing Valencia to lose even the support from the crowd. Despite two wins and a draw in previous matches, Mestalla quickly lost patience as they saw Atlético superior and in the lead.

‘Cholo’ Simeone’s side looked for gaps in the opposing defense and started to find ways through until Griezmann created a more direct path. The Frenchman provided a perfect assist to Samuel Lino, and Julián Álvarez capitalized on the rebound off the crossbar to make it 0-1 after twelve minutes. Atlético remained strong at the back, and Valencia failed to make an impact, causing concern among the home fans.

Corberán’s team couldn’t get Javi Guerra into the game to create opportunities, leaving Umar Sadiq isolated upfront. Unfortunately for Valencia, Atlético had one of those days where they needed little to score. Thirty minutes in, Griezmann set up Julián Álvarez for the second goal.

Valencia had a chance from a set-piece to pull one back, but Sadiq couldn’t get a comfortable shot off a cross, and Luis Rioja couldn’t convert a dangerous free-kick before halftime. The ‘Araña’ missed a chance for the third goal after a failed clearance by Mosquera, and Valencia survived to see the second half, showing signs of a comeback.

Besides battling relegation, Corberán’s team didn’t want to give up in the second half and returned with a different attitude, quickly gaining the support of the Mestalla faithful. The home side pressed with every possession and threatened Oblak’s goal, with a shot from Hugo Duro narrowly missing the target. Additionally, Valencia appealed for two handball penalties.

The entry of Duro provided a focal point for the hosts, helping Sadiq get more involved. Atlético struggled to break out of their half against a wounded opponent, similar to their recent match against Barcelona, prompting ‘Cholo’ to seek solutions.

Unable to create danger, the red and white coach brought on Ángel Correa and reinforced with José María Giménez, but a missile from Almeida threatened Atlético’s goal again. However, the effort started to take its toll on Corberán’s side, and the visitors found calmness in the final stages, with a chance to seal the win.

Atlético controlled possession and missed a chance with Alexander Sorloth, but Correa capitalized on a mistake by Javi Guerra to make it 0-3 in the 86th minute. What Griezmann and the ‘Araña’ made look easy wasn’t spoiled by Valencia, who remain in the relegation zone, while Simeone’s men, after two consecutive draws, continue their fight for the top spot at the start of a tough run with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and Real Madrid in the Champions League.

MATCH FACTS

–RESULT: VALENCIA 0 – ATLÉTICO MADRID 3 (0-2 at halftime).

–LINEUPS:

VALENCIA: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tárrega, Mosquera, Gayà; Luis Rioja (Rafa Mir, min.74), Barrenechea (Diego López, min.80), Pepelu (Hugo Duro, halftime), Javi Guerra; Iván Jaime (Almeida, min.65), Sadiq (Fran Pérez, min.74).

ATLÉTICO MADRID: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta (Gallagher, halftime); Giuliano (Giménez, min.68), De Paul, Llorente, Lino (Javi Galán, halftime); Griezmann (Correa, min.68), Julián Alvarez (Sorloth, min.74).