Atletico Madrid are feeling much more positive about things than they were a month ago, after coming away with their first league defeat of the season. Since, Los Colchoneros are unbeaten, and have racked up four clean sheets. Manager Diego Simeone had kind words for his players after their win over RCD Mallorca on Sunday, but not for Rodrigo Riquelme.
It was Giuliano Simeone that made the difference again, providing the assist for Julian Alvarez to grab the winner. He stole in behind the Mallorca defence, and the point was made to his father that the forward was quicker than he was.
💣🚨 BREAKING: Robin Le Normand is back in team training for the first time in a long time!@mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/6hGySRxwuv
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) November 13, 2024
“No doubt (laughs). The important thing is that the team after the game against Betis spoke, talked, identified what we do not have to do and we are on the path to continue in this line. I hope we can maintain it, in life what you did yesterday remains in the memory, life is today and you are valued for what you do today. It remains in your memory and it is nice, but we all live for today.”
Meanwhile it was Jan Oblak’s long ball that picked out Simeone. He has also received praise after a strong performance in their victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
“It makes me happy for Oblak, once again providing for a teammate, Julian believed that Giuliano could compete with that ball, Giuliano was not selfish and we leave with a huge effort, a team that I liked, I worked well and after the break he will return today.”
🚨🇸🇮 Jan Oblak, with an average of 0.58 goals conceded per game is currently leading the race for the Zamora Trophy, ahead of Alex Remiro with 0.77.
Should he win it, it would be the sixth of his career, and will be the first in history to do so, surpassing Víctor Valdés and… pic.twitter.com/FKCH0TwqQ3
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) November 13, 2024
However he was not particularly pleased with Riquelme, who missed a chance that he could have squared for Angel Correa.
“You have to not be selfish, you have to be a teammate, he decided to shoot and it’s not what had to be done, look for a teammate, to pass to them. Luckily we didn’t have to pay for it,” he told Diario AS.
Riquelme was one of the bright sparks for Los Rojiblancos last season, but has struggled to have the same impact as last year, as has been the case for Samuel Lino. The Spanish playmaker has made 12 appearances this season, accumulating 531 minutes in 6 starts. During those appearances, he has yet to manage a goal or assist, playing a variety of positions.
