Atlético won 0-3 against Osasuna and did it with the old values of cholismo: the red-and-white team got together, all the players were supportive and there was total commitment on the part of everyone. A competitive Atlético was seen, regardless of whether they played more or less exquisite football. A team in line with what Atlético has been in the ten years he has been with Cholo.
Simeone ended up delighted with everyone’s delivery. João Félix scored a goal, assisted Luis Suárez, but ran and fought like no one else. He gave it his all on offense but also struggled on defense. It is what the Argentine coach has always asked of the Portuguese striker. João Félix can be the example of what Atlético was.
The team was stronger in the middle and Herrera’s entry gave the team solidity. Atlético wants to shield itself in the middle, win games based on not leaving space for the rival, fighting for all the balls. Because the quality of the Correa, Griezmann, Luis Suárez or João Félix must decide. Atlético learned the lesson and left Pamplona very reinforced. The action of the second goal is proof of this. From a corner kick against Atlético, he resolved the match thanks to two individual actions.
The word most heard in recent days in the Atlético dressing room is union. Unity on and off the pitch. The rojiblanco team came out ahead in compromised situations based on that union. Simeone knows that he will lose Carrasco in the tie against Manchester United, but, on the contrary, he will be able to count on Griezmann. No one wants to mourn casualties. Simeone has taken a long time to find the key. The victory against Osasuna could mean much more than three points. It may mean returning to a before and after for Atlético in the remainder of the season.