Saúl gives Simeone joy and keeps Atlético in the Champions League

Saúl Ñíguez had not seen the goal for two years, a player at another fundamental time, but now less and less a protagonist for Cholo Simeone.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
30 January 2023 Monday 13:47
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Saúl gives Simeone joy and keeps Atlético in the Champions League

Saúl Ñíguez had not seen the goal for two years, a player at another fundamental time, but now less and less a protagonist for Cholo Simeone. In that period of time, the mattress player has ended up becoming disenchanted with the Argentine coach. Last season he emigrated to London for a few months, where he did not shine at Chelsea either. In this he has not found his place, that's why he asked to leave. Valencia and Sevilla are closely following the player. And perhaps in one of his last acts of service to the mattress club, Saúl scored a goal that is worth his weight in gold. Somewhat beautifully crafted that served to unravel the match against Osasuna at El Sadar. [Check the LaLiga table].

Osasuna had not lost in 2023. Neither in the League, where it lurks in the European positions, nor in the Cup, where it has firmly reached the semifinals. A very demanding exam for an Atlético team that has not stopped taking blows in recent times. The last one, in the Cup against Real Madrid.

The match was an exercise of constant intensity by both teams. Osasuna proposed much more than was expected to win the game. Abde was once again a demon for his band and Atlético had a hard time finding the rhythm. The best chances in the first half were for the colchoneros, always with Griezmann close to the action. The Frenchman was Atlético's beacon, although he was not capable of making Aitor Fernández suffer too much.

Both teams wanted to quickly reach the opposite area, a direct football that has allowed them to be where they are. At the beginning of the second half, Osasuna decided to go bare-chested for the game. Chimy Ávila with the head had the first. Although the clearest chances were those saved by Oblak after shots from Moi Gómez and Moreno, respectively.

Time was running out for Atlético when a goal came from those that are worked on on the blackboard. Morata went down to receive the midfield and Saúl attacked space. Rodrigo de Paul noticed his run and set him up with a precise pass. The midfielder was left alone before Aitor, whom he shot with his right leg.

The result comforts a Simeone who is looking for some peace of mind after a few turbulent weeks. The three points allow Atlético to maintain fourth place ahead of Villarreal, while Osasuna sees their chances of attacking sixth place, held by Betis, frustrated.