Atletico Madrid secured a coveted spot in the Champions League knockout stage after a decisive 3-1 victory against Feyenoord. The win, aided by two own-goals, propelled Atletico into the next phase of the competition, marking a notable turnaround from last year’s disappointing group stage exit.
“This victory brings a sense of relief, and it’s crucial to aim for the highest position possible,” remarked Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone, emphasizing the significance of advancing. Reflecting on the team’s progress, he added, “It’s been years since we’ve been able to reach the end (of the group stage) with this peace of mind.”
Atletico’s journey to secure this pivotal win hasn’t been without its challenges. Mario Hermoso, Atletico’s defender, highlighted their strategic play, stating, “We played with personality, doing well with possession and on the counterattacks. We had chances to score more goals.”
This victory served as redemption for Atletico, especially after last season’s fourth-place finish in a tough group. The team had faced setbacks, missing out on both the Europa League and the subsequent Champions League group stage.
The game witnessed a series of decisive moments. Atletico initially gained the lead with a fortuitous own-goal by Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida in the 14th minute. Hermoso further solidified Atletico’s position with an impressive shot from a challenging angle in the 57th minute.
Reflecting on his remarkable goal, Hermoso commented, “I didn’t really know where I was. I knew more or less where the net was, but the intention was to shoot on goal and the ball went in where it went in.”
However, Feyenoord fought back, with Mats Wieffer scoring a header in the 77th minute. Santiago Giménez’s inadvertent own-goal for Atletico sealed the final scoreline at 3-1.
“We played the game we wanted to play,” Simeone reflected. “There were some very good individual performances and, collectively, I think we played an important game for the club.”
This crucial victory not only propels Atletico Madrid into the Champions League knockout stage but also signifies a resurgence for the team after a challenging previous season. As they gear up for the next stage, Atletico celebrates their renewed momentum and resilience on the field.
