Jenaro Lorente
Madrid, Nov 3 (EFE).- With our heart and focus on Valencia and Levante. This is how Atlético triumphed against Las Palmas (1-0) in a match that possibly should not have been played, neither the match nor the day in general, out of respect for the victims of the catastrophe.
Simeone, the red and white coach, stated it the day before. “It is clear that this day should not have been played. There are many people who are having a very bad time. It is very sad, but they tell us to continue and here we are, continuing,” the “Cholo” had stated.
And with Valencia in mind the game began. With food collection on the outskirts of the Metropolitan. With an imposing and overwhelming minute of silence in honor of the victims. With the anthem of the Valencian Community while both teams formed in the center of the field. With the banners of the two red and white clubs in the devastated area in the hands of the Atlético footballers, the Peña Atlética Centenario Paiporta and the Peña El Paradón de Utiel. With a long and moving applause from the entire stands (56,610 spectators) in response to the tribute. With impressed faces on many fans.
On the pitch, Las Palmas, organized at the back, only worried about keeping a clean sheet while Atlético cooked up a goal to get them out of the cave. Giuliano Simeone achieved it in the 37th minute. The coach’s son collected a precise service from Nahuel Molina in a perfect unmarking, controlled the ball with his head, advanced meters, stood in front of Cillesen and beat him with a cross shot. A great goal and a great ovation for the coach’s son. Father and son cannot hide their resemblance on the playing field. The same gestures, the same fiery celebrations, the same drive. A chip off the old block.
After both, once again the tribute to those affected by the horrible floods. Giuliano and Koke grabbed a red and white t-shirt with the motto encouragement and strength. In the second half, more of the same. Athletic dominance and conservatism of Las Palmas, but uncertainty due to a short score. In the 58th minute, Cillesen gave a scare after a clash with Nahuel Molina. The red and white defender hits him on the head with his boot in an attempt to reach the ball when the goalkeeper caught it. The protocol for concussion is activated and the goalkeeper is replaced on a stretcher and immobilized to widespread applause.
Sorloth did not sentence until the 83rd minute. The Norwegian hit a nice shot into the net with his left foot after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. 2-0 and game solved. Shortly after, Giuliano is replaced to the clamor of the stands with a gala ovation for the new hero. Atlético pocket three crucial points to see some light at the end of the tunnel caused by previous defeats. It was a triumph with the heart in the Spanish Levante. EFE.
