Brilliant move by the coach! Atlético saved by a regular yellow card collector

In Monday’s match of the thirtieth round of the Spanish La Liga, Atlético Madrid’s victory was decided by substitute Saul Ñíguez, who was on the pitch for only three minutes at the time of his goal. It was therefore a brilliant substitution by experienced coach Diego Simeone.

Although the two teams were separated by seventeen points in the table before the start of the match, Atlético Madrid did not arrive at Villarreal’s ground as a big favourite. In fact, the home side had not been beaten in their last nine league matches.

Los Colchoneros, on the other hand, have not won in their last six competitive matches played in their opponents’ stadiums. The match was therefore very open, which was also reflected in its course.

The visitors took a quick lead when Axel Witsel scored a header in the ninth minute, only his second goal of the season. Five minutes after the change of sides, however, striker Alexander Sorloth equalised.

The next few minutes were played mainly in the space between the sixteenths. The decisive goal was scored in the 87th minute by Saul Ñíguez, who came on three minutes earlier.

Diego Simeone once again showed a brilliant flair for the game. The Spanish midfielder capitalised on a pass from Cesar Azpilicueta and with a technical shot to the right post gave the home goalkeeper no chance. The quarter-finalist of the current Champions League thus scored a very valuable three points to return to fourth position.

For Ñíguez, it was his first goal in the current season. The former Spanish international usually performs more defensive tasks on the pitch and creates chances for his teammates. This time he was absolutely cool in his role as a finisher.

Ñíguez is an Atlético offspring, only heading on loan to Chelsea in the 202/22 season. However, he didn’t get enough game time at Stamford Bridge. His record is usually due to a yellow card. And he has seen it on seven occasions in the current season.

Source: Atlético Madrid