A parked Atlético Madrid bus! Fans are entertained by the Rojiblancos’ 5-5-0 defensive formation

Atlético Madrid is well known for its defensive approach to the game. However, against Manchester City in the Champions League, they came out with a parked bus, which the internet viewers are having fun over.

Does a Champions League quarter-final equal guaranteed spectacle and wonderful football? It doesn’t. Or rather, not if Atlético Madrid are on the pitch.

The Rojiblancos are renowned for their tactics under coach Diego Simeone. And in fact, what would they have to change about it, they have reached the Champions League final twice, the semi-finals once, won the La Liga title twice. In short, it’s working for Atleti.

It’s just not much fun for the fans. And that’s why they’re more concerned with the parked bus that brought Atlético to the Etihad Stadium.

The Colchoneros played a 5-5-0 formation defensively in the first half, simply not letting the Citizens into their own area. What can we say, that they didn’t get to threaten the opponent’s goal, they defended their own. Manchester created 130 attacking actions in the first half, Atlético only 17.

30% ball possession in the first half, but visually Atlético didn’t seem to have the ball at all. It is extremely difficult for Manchester City players to get into a closed defence, Atlético would be very happy with a goalless draw away.

Source: UEFA