Felipe enters the scene

Atlético had two bad news in the second half of the game against Bayern: suffered both from Müller's draw, which forces play the pass to the second round in Austria Y Gimenez had to be replaced after suffering some discomfort in the thigh in a fantastic defensive action to avoid a Bavarian counter. More evidence is needed to know the extent of his time out, with the key game against Salzburg and the derby against Real Madrid just around the corner.

Giménez was replaced by Felipe who, since the Uruguayan's return to the team after his injury, had gone on to play a completely secondary role. Despite the new defensive system formed by Simeone, with three centrals closing and releasing midfielders and Trippier and Carrasco on the wings, Felipe had disappeared from the schemes while the team had achieved its best version of the game. Savic, Giménez and Hermoso They put a wall behind them, with good ball output, passing game and cutting speed, while the 31-year-old was forced to the bench despite probably being the signing with the best result of last season.

And it could have cost Felipe that inactivity, since committed a penalty on Müller that ended up assuming the tying goal. The German made a great maneuver in the area and the Brazilian stung going to the ground to avoid the possible shot. In the last play of the game he was able to make up for his mistake, but failed to connect a shot after the ball combed by Lemar at the exit of the corner. Now, Felipe starts from scratch. Without Giménez, apparently will have to return to have a leading role (Unless Simeone returns to a defense of four with Savic and Hermoso in the center) and for this he has to find his best form.

A footballer who finds it difficult to get in tune due to his heavier physiognomy, but when he does he can perform like a charm. This season he started as the undisputed starter, completing the team's first seven games. However, since October 27 he had only had testimonial participation to save the result against Osasuna and Barcelona. Throughout November he played a single minute in the victory against the Blaugranas. Simeone had indicated that he should continue working to be important again and now he must prove it.

Giménez, for his part, had traveled the opposite path, and in that month where Felipe was not seen, the Uruguayan played everything, eight consecutive full games since October 24, linked to his commitments with the national team. If there is a position that Atlético has perfectly covered, it is that of the center of defense. With an excellent Savic and a Hermoso who has found his ideal place, Felipe must take a step forward to maintain the great level behind that is leading to historical numbers in the League (two goals against in nine games) and that it will be essential to maintain in a week where Atlético plays a lot, both in the league competition and its future in the Champions League.