We’re Through!

By: Al | November 27th, 2008

After defeating PSV yesterday, not only are we still topping the group, but we’re safely into the round of 16. The victory was a bit easy but we’ll take it.

This means that all four La Liga teams are through, and Spain will be represented proudly in the Champions League.

The PSV match can be considered “meh”. The worst part of course being the absence of the supporters from the stands, due to the police/fan/whatever violence at the Marseille match. The coolest part of course being the scary roar outside the stadium a couple of seconds after both goals were scored, and the awesome idea to broadcast the crowd outside on the screens in the Calderon, in order to motivate the team. Now that’s support, my friends.

Atlético Madrid 2 – PSV Eindhoven 1

Simao 14′
Maxi Rodriguez 28′
Danny Koevermans 47′

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The two goals were a bit cheap, yet they sort of weren’t. They were both scored because of terrible PSV defense, something that isn’t really common to see as PSV always has a tight back four. The first goal was scored after the PSV defense was jumbled up and Simao only had to tap it in.

The second goal was another terrible PSV mistake, with the ball hitting Carlos Salcido on accident and the ball was laid right in front of Maxi, with a completely open space to shoot to boot. Just like that, the match was 2-0 and PSV was getting pissed.

Simao was the man of the match, scoring the first goal and setting up many good chances. The best chance after the second goal was a pass to the near-center of the box to Kun Aguero who ballooned the ball into the stands. Overall good pace and good chances by the entire team, who weren’t being conducted by the sidelined Javier Aguirre.

PSV’s goal was an easy tap-in by Danny Koevermans in the 47th minute, after the ball kept on moving around in the pool of players during the corner kick and finally went in. Bad job by the Atleti defense, who could’ve reacted a little faster. PSV had plenty of time to level the game (pretty much the entire second half) but in the end they couldn’t make up for the two easy goals they let in.

If PSV’s defense wasn’t such a wreck, they could’ve at least drawn the match, and didn’t have the Atletico supporters to try to intimidate them. I could care less as we won, but PSV should’ve done better. All they have left is UEFA cup pride to fall back on, and that’s only if they go through. Good luck in the future, PSV.

We host the Garay-powered Racing Santander next weekend, and will try again to redeem ourselves in this gripping La Liga campaign.

Aupa Atleti!