Atlético de Madrid were not rolling all on cylinders when Valencia came to town for a Saturday afternoon showdown at the Metropolitano. But thanks to the efforts of two long-serving record-holders,a fatigued Atlético emerged victorious from a tougher-than-expected test against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Koke and Antoine Griezmann scored either side of a Lucas Beltrán golazo to hand Atlético a 2-1 win, which saw the Rojiblancos snap a two-game losing skid in LaLiga and record an 11th successive home win in all competitions. Atleti provisionally moved to within one point of Villarreal (which has two games in hand) and two points of Real Madrid (playing Sunday night at Alavés).

Let’s get into some takeaways from a weird game at the Metropolitano, where Atleti lost the xG battle but had that extra bit of quality needed to win.

## The captain and the prince

In Eindhoven on Tuesday,Diego Simeone turned to Griezmann for the final 15 minutes of what was trending toward a comfortable win over PSV. But with Koke making way, PSV found new life and nearly clawed back to draw from a two-goal deficit. It was an ill-advised change magnified by Griezmann’s lack of contribution.On another afternoon in which Julián Alvarez struggled to get involved, Simeone again turned to Griezmann, the Frenchman entering just before Beltrán scored his first goal this season to equalize. Griezmann served as the catalyst who finally woke up the team; his 74th-minute winner was pure class, the touch to take him past Dimitri foulquier sublime.

Alvarez is still mired in a form slump, and he has been stuck on seven league goals since he slotted a penalty against Sevilla on Nov. 1. Simultaneously occurring, Griezmann has moved up quietly to five goals in LaLiga, all scored from the bench and two going down as game-winners. With eight more goals, he will pass A

The Tactical Impact of Nahuel Molina’s Performance on Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid’s recent performances have highlighted a concerning trend: the negative impact of Nahuel Molina’s play when starting over Marcos Llorente. While Molina is a capable player, his limitations are demonstrably affecting Atlético’s overall tactical approach, both offensively and defensively.

Defensive Weaknesses and Their Ripple Effect

Molina’s lack of confidence, both with and without the ball, is a notable issue.His passing accuracy, especially under pressure or over longer distances, doesn’t match Llorente’s reliability. This forces Atlético to play a more cautious buildup, frequently enough resulting in a lower defensive line. This impacts the team’s ability to press high and win the ball back in advantageous positions.

Moreover, Molina’s defensive lapses require Giuliano Simeone to dedicate more energy to defensive responsibilities. This reduces Simeone’s attacking threat on the right flank, effectively neutralizing a potential outlet for crosses and runs into the box. This was particularly evident in recent matches against Athletic Club and Valencia.

Positive Impact of Substitutions

The contrast between Molina’s performance and that of Marcos Llorente, or even a tactical shift involving a different player, is stark.When Marcos Llorente enters the game, Atlético instantly gains more dynamism and tactical flexibility. The team’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack improves substantially.

Even a temporary shift in position, as seen with Pubill moving to right-back, can unlock attacking potential. Pubill’s performance against Barcelona showcased this, delivering a crucial cross-field ball that led to Griezmann’s winning goal. This demonstrates the value of having players who can confidently contribute in multiple roles.

Key Takeaways

• Nahuel Molina’s lack of confidence impacts Atlético’s buildup play, forcing a lower defensive line.
• Molina’s defensive weaknesses require Giuliano Simeone to focus more on defensive duties, limiting his attacking contributions.
• Marcos Llorente’s introduction significantly improves Atlético’s tactical flexibility and attacking dynamism.
• Tactical adjustments, like utilizing Pubill at right-back, can unlock attacking potential.

Ultimately, while Molina isn’t a poor player, his current form is hindering Atlético Madrid’s ability to consistently perform at its highest level. A change in personnel or a tactical adjustment is needed to address these issues and maximize the team’s potential.