Direct This is how we live it
Classification This is how Atlético goes
Atletico put out his fists on a night that seemed designed for eternity, but he ended up lying down, Liverpool's claws pointed to his face.
He threw courage and football, which should not be right this year, he got off the canvas and ended up falling injured by the expulsion of Griezmann and a penalty in which Salah's foot did not tremble.
Atlético needed two slaps, two good slaps, to alleviate those initial tremors, perhaps for being in front of the machine that Jürgen Klopp drives. It was not a new experience, but the rojiblancos, redesigned for that gala night by Diego Pablo Simeone, with Luis Suárez waiting from the bench for the first time in Europe, with Joao Félix, Griezmann and Lemar in charge of unleashing the storm, needed a fourth of an hour to find out where they were and who they really were. To understand that they already have the ability to exchange blows with anyone. Including that Liverpool that has recovered the footballing virulence that it used to.
The night, one of those that give a glimpse of something special, with the smoke from the flares outside and the glow of the moon completing the props, started dark for Atlético. And that everyone knew that with Salah there are no jokes that are worth. That giving an Egyptian one meter is little less than giving up your soul. And that's what Carrasco did. Nor did Lemar find a way to stop him, perhaps for fear of committing a penalty. Koke could only observe the whiplash, which Milner deflected enough for Oblak, that giant at Anfield, during the remembered round of 16 tie in 2020, to certify the injury. Simeone's two palms simultaneously moved towards the grass to ask for calm. Because the easy thing against that unbridled style of Liverpool is to lose it. And lose it fastas it seemed to happen to Atlético during that doubtful dawn.
The rojiblancos had barely risen from the ground when Keita snagged like never before from outside the area.
Felipe hesitantly spat a ball into the area and the net midfielder nailed another arrow into the local spirit.
Simeone's palms rose and fell again in rhythm, seeking calm under the hurricane.
And it was then when, with a sore chin, Atlético got up on the back of a Metropolitan who looked more like that cauldron that was Vicente Calderón.
The meadow from which Antoine Griezmann, the fallen idol, began to take off, determined to once again be the totem of his hobby.
For that there is no other recipe that is worth other than goals.
Just what he found against Liverpool, in what seemed like an almost cinematic redemption.
Ignored, like the rest of the stands, what fate had prepared for him at the start of the second act.
It took Antoine a little over half an hour to recall that lethal version that led him to even imagine himself sitting at tables that, perhaps, were not for him. He was walking incognito in the area when he impaled a shot from Koke. The VAR had to take a look before confirming the Frenchman's joy. Then would come the furious run of Joao Félix, with Keita hanging from his back. The Portuguese discovered Griezmann, whose shadow was barely seen by the giant Van Dijk. His cross shot reconciled him, probably forever, with the Metropolitan's stands. The stadium where no one has scored more than him. Alisson separated him from the hat-trick, who was closing the door to those who approached after the tie.
Everything seemed idyllic until, with the second half still stretching, not knowing who was around him, he raised his boot up to Firmino's ear.
In Europe there are no respects and Atlético had to face Klopp's minotaur in inferiority.
Regardless, while Simeone was being taken away by the demons, he went to the locker room to a standing ovation.
He had to suffer again against Liverpool, something that is not new in this recent exchange of episodes between the two.
And from that suffering, where Atlético was seen on the counterattack by Alisson's goal, the penalty from Hermoso came to Diogo Jota.
Llorente, Suárez, Lodi and Correa had been waiting for their turn in the band for a long time.
They watched from there as Salah taunted Oblak.
It seemed like the ultimate thrust.
The night was looking dark when Giménez fell into the area and the referee, as had happened at the other end, minutes ago, returned to signal a penalty.
He did so convinced until the VAR called him to chapter.
There was a push, but the coin came out tails and the Metropolitan stayed hard.
It was the story of a defeat in which Atlético has little to reproach itself for.
You already know that you have pride, that you have football and, also, that you should not be afraid.
Last night he made Liverpool tremble and the door to Europe is still just as open.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more
Champions League
Atlético de Madrid
Antoine Griezmann
Champions LeagueInterview with Yannick Carrasco: "Football is a man's world, and I didn't have a father to advise me"
ChampionsThe paradox of the last step of the Maldini saga
ChampionsSimeone returns to the scene of the 'crime': "Going back to San Siro can even be positive"
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