Ten goals already, just two less than Griezmann and four than Julián. Ten goals already for a footballer who is willing to silence all the mouths that criticized his signing in the summer… and who take advantage of his bad days (which he had like against Lille) to doubt his level. A player who, without being a starter, signs these numbers cannot be bad. A forward who will end up coming cheap. A 9 in which Simeone never stopped believing… despite the level of his competition. The only bad news, that he was substituted at half-time… as a precaution.
.
Return to the central three
Simeone opted for a revolutionary eleven. Nine changes compared to what was already recited by heart. Defense, again, of three centre-backs. Everything seemed risky except for this Atlético that wins everything. 15 wins in a row and a downhill team that is already in the Cup quarterfinals and aspires to win everything. Who will bell the red and white cat?
.
Llorente, the same assists as Griezmann
He has missed several weeks due to a muscle injury. Compete with an increasingly in tune Molina. He is not the undisputed holder. Despite all of them, Marcos Llorente once again scored a decisive ball to make it 0-1. This is his sixth assist this season, which places him at the top of the red and white passers along with Griezmann (De Paul has five and Lino, four). Almost nothing for a player who, let’s not forget, Simeone converted from a midfielder (where he did not finish) into one of the best wide players in the championship.
.
-Diaby, a youth penalty
As a youth. For being soft and not making blood with Diaby who finished off his Elche by committing a penalty that is rarely seen in top-level football. A play by Lino, with the Elche player on top of him, ended with the local number 4 overwhelming the Brazilian in a maximum penalty that does not allow discussion. This is the third penalty awarded to the rojiblancos. Two of them, in the Cup. Striking when there are 19 LaLiga games… and just four in the Cup.
.
Elche is more concerned about promotion…
Simeone rotated, but so did Eder Sarabia. The successful coach from Elche did not hesitate to bet on the less common ones thinking about the duel against Sporting at the weekend. Elche is second in position for direct promotion and has made it clear today that it prefers promotion to dreaming of the Cup. Logical…
Senegal
