Two goals from a clever Correa and two saves from Oblak sum up Atlético's harrowing victory against Girona, another exercise in extreme survival by the colchoneros to avoid another blush. Those of Simeone save the furniture this time, but they maintain the same doubts that they have been dragging all season and that define their career in La Liga and their permanence in the Champions League in a fabulous unknown.
It is the day of the rocks. Good entrance and festive atmosphere in the Metropolitano with a tribute included to Koke for his record of matches with the rojiblanca. 556 already adds the Vallecano, to whom both templates applaud in a well-deserved corridor. The stands forget the defeat in Bruges and eagerly respond to Girona's claim mainly because they want to see Riquelme, a pearl from the red and white quarry who has taken off with impetus in his loan to the Catalan team. Atlético, meanwhile, appears with news on the ounce. There is neither Morata nor Joao Félix, but Cunha who seems to take positions against both in Simeone's preferences. The case of the Portuguese is dangerously reminiscent of the situation of previous years, always from brake to brake, unable to reach the necessary revolutions to lead this team.
The other bet for the attack is Griezmann, already without bodied or contractual ties. The Englishman celebrates his ownership with a community assist that Correa finishes off at the far post. The clock has barely used up five minutes and Atlético looks ahead, which reinforces the game's script.
Because since then Girona, a team that likes to have the ball, has assumed command even more vigorously. His game pivoted around Oriol Romeu. With him in charge, the danger grows visiting him enough to upset the crowd, nervous and impatient because his team seems to settle for his meager income. Defensive solidity seems to be enough this time. Riquelme offers himself relentlessly, but Savic and Giménez cover his back. The bands are not accessible either, well covered by Nahuel and Reinildo. Curious as it may seem, the Mozambican shows a more ambitious profile and that is where Atlético carries its poor offensive game, always depending on Griezmann's success or not in the last pass. The Englishman gives up his own punch to facilitate the brilliance of his teammates, a role that fits him like a glove.
Before the break is followed by Atlético's arrivals with danger. In a mysterious way, Girona unplugged from the game and only the interventions of Juan Carlos, twice against Cunha and on another occasion against Correa, prevent Atlético from extending their advantage before going to the locker room.
The good work of the visiting goalkeeper is tarnished, however, as soon as the second act begins. Correa's faith and mischief have come into play again, as he squeezes Juan Carlos just enough when the ball comes out to cause him to make an error in the pass and send the rejection into the net. It is not being the year with the most playing minutes for the Argentine, far from it, but he is a specialist in herding his juice. He already scored in his first start, against Celta, and he does it twice again in the second. The loss of Marcos Llorente opens up a new perspective for him in the coming months.
The second goal hurt Girona, who spent several minutes knocked out while Atlético did and undid as they pleased in midfield while Simeone moved his first pieces with the entry of Lemar, Saúl and Morata. One of those who leaves is Griezmann, who now leaves the field at the same minute that he used to enter before the deal with Barcelona for his transfer.
The change is only explained because Bruges waits just around the corner, but the play is about to go wrong for the mattress coach because a stroke of fortune smiles at the Catalans and Girona gets back into the game with the goal of Riquelme. The youth squad tries his luck from outside the area and his shot hits Giménez, changing the trajectory of the ball. Let's not celebrate the young 'Roro'. Moreover, he apologizes with his hands. Shortly after he leaves the field as the best of his team, and when he is substituted he receives the unanimous applause of the stadium, including that of Simeone. By then Joao Félix is already in the field, whose long quarter of an hour on the field is absolutely useless.
It is the time of suffering for Atlético. This time, yes, the goal manages to spur Míchel's team, which is close to equalizing with two shots by Aleix García repelled by Oblak and another to Stuani's crossbar canceled by a previous foul. He whistles the stands again against his team, which despite everything resists after a long extension.
