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Atlético, the Comeback Kings
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At. Madrid v Barcelona
We're at the Vicente Calderon today to witness the first of the big matches this year. Barcelona have made their way to the capital to play the second most famous team there after beating Sociedad 5-0 at home. They hope to defeat Kiko's Atlético Madrid team that did well to make a comeback at Deportivo, their fans, this time at home, may want to try and sneak a win, but the odds say that the "best team in the world" should beat them.
1' Barcelona win the coin toss today, Messi making the first touch of the game.
9' A few good attacks from Barcelona in the opening minutes, they look most likely to break the draw, but it has not been totally one sided.
10' Xavi wins the ball in midfield, the Barcelona players burst up the pitch with incredible pace. Xavi one-twos with Iniesta, but Filipe manages a clean tackle, Barcelona step up for the corner kick.
12' The ball floats in, but Courtois punches it away, looking confident. The ball falls to Miranda, but David Villa snaps the ball from his feet, cuts inside-and scores! Lovely effort from the winger there!
30' The game has very much slowed down since the goal. There have been few good chances. It looks like Barcelona have got the goal they need, and now are playing much calmer, easy flowing football.
45+1' The first half ends with Barcelona holding a good chunk of the possession. Kiko will not be happy with how much of the game his team has held the ball.
46' Atlético start the second half. Their players don't seem to be lacking confidence, but Barcelona are not letting them through.
58' Falcao get's in Valdes' area-but the keeper manages to boot the ball away. Jaunfran manages to get the ball just before it runs out for a throw in, bursts up the pitch, using the element of surprise against Barcelona. He cuts in- crosses- FALCAO! Oh, it's just wide. A good opportunity for Atlético, there! Kiko will want more of the same.
67' Falcao gets in to space for a cross from Adrian- hits it hard- but Valdes saves. The keeper roles it to Jordi Alba, who boots it up-field to the feet of Iniesta... he breaks free of the defense, in the channel, only the keeper is left. He chips the pass left, Villa runs on to is, volleys- Goal! Very Impressive counter attack from Barcelona!
80' Tiago is making his way up the center, looking for a target man. Falcao runs in to space, Tiago makes- oooh! Puyol has just launched himself in to Tiago's legs after the pass was made, luckily, Tiago doesn't look too bad, just a slight grimace. The reff approaches Puyol... and his fears are confirmed, the card is red!
82' Falcao takes the free-kick. Will he go for a shot? He's capable of scoring from there. No, he taps it to Adrian, who knocks it past Pique and, GOAL! This puts Madrid back within a shout in this match, they could pick up a point! I think Barcelona might have lacked something in defense there, namely Carles Puyol.
'85 Tiago knocks the ball to Adrian, who headers it netwards, but the wary Pique controls it. Adrian and Falcao are cornering in on him- he smashes the ball away, it landing not far from the corner flag for the throw.
'86 Cleverly seizes the ball and throws it to Adrian. Adrian makes his way in to the center of the pitch before tapping it to Falcao. Falcao looks around him, spotting Tiago, passing it to him, running in to space- Tiago gives it back, Falcao turns, gets past the keeper and runs in to the net! Goal! He didn't even need to shoot! Atlético have come back from behind to be level after 80 minutes! Falcao fist-pumps.
'87 Barcelona kick off and attempt a quick counter attack to get back their three points. Villa is on a hatrick, he will be looking to score. Messi makes his way down the left, before chipping it on to Iniesta, Iniesta shoots! Courtois catches it and rolls it to Koke. Koke kicks it upfield to Cleverley, who makes his way up the right wing.
'88 Cleverley looks for a man- can't find anyone, so he shifts it back to Miranda, who knocks it in to space for the one-two. Cleverley only has Mascherano in his way. Mascherano looks to dispossess him, but Cleverly knocks the ball towards the center of the box- Falcao sprints out and slides along the ground- GOAL! GOAL! GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Falcao chips the ball over Valdes whilst skidding across the turf, his team pile on top of him! Kiko is desperate to leave his technical area, so Falcao approaches him and is praised, followed by the rest of the team.
'90+3 Atlético Madrid head to the changing rooms with a spring in their step. Kiko's second ever game, second ever win, second ever comeback as a manager, and against Barcelona.
At. Madrid 3-2 Barcelona
#1 Sergio Asenjo
#2 Diego Godin
#3 Filipe
#5 Tiago
#9 Falcao
#10 Arda Turan
#12 Tom Cleverley*
#13 Thibaut Courtois*
#15 Emiliano Insua
#24 Kader Oueslati
