Sorloth salvages a point in another hard-fought Atlético match, playing with ten men

Just three minutes after entering the field, Alexander Sorloth, who has become one of Atlético's key players when trailing, salvaged a point in another hard-fought match for the red-and-white team. They played almost the entire match against Celta with ten men and, thanks to the Norwegian giant, secured a well-deserved draw. A controversial penalty, for a foul by Le Normand on Borja Iglesias, which has become a common occurrence in this league resulting in a penalty, put Celta ahead. However, Simeone's substitutions once again proved effective in a match influenced by the early self-expulsion of Pablo Barrios, decreed by VAR, for a harsh tackle on Pablo Durán.

Despite the penalty awarded against Atlético, the referee did not hesitate, allowing Iago Aspas, six minutes after coming on, to score his first goal at the colchonero stadium. Until that fateful action, the red-and-white team defended outstandingly with ten men and was even superior in the second half to a Celta side ineffective in attack. The draw was the lesser evil for Atlético, who found themselves at a disadvantage from the 6th minute and managed to show pride and present a good image, avoiding an unjust defeat in the 81st minute. Atlético managed to neutralize Celta from midfield forward and, after the break, took a step forward to shake off the visitors' dominance, although they did not have clear chances until the Vigo team took the lead.

The goal from the penalty spot by Iago Aspas left the colchonero team in a difficult position, but Simeone reacted with three simultaneous changes, and the substitute for the tireless Giuliano proved decisive with a shot as soon as he entered the area after a long ball from Giménez. Sorloth created the opportunity against Starfeld, and Atlético maximized one of the few chances they had, as the match became an uphill battle from the start, forcing them to focus more on defense than attack. The red-and-white players ended exhausted after their defensive survival exercise and enormous physical effort, but at least they earned a hard-fought and well-deserved point.

Given that Atlético found themselves at a numerical disadvantage almost from the start due to Barrios' late challenge in midfield against Pablo Durán, Simeone's entire strategy and that of his team fell apart. The red-and-white team shifted from a 4-4-2 to a 4-4-1, with Griezmann lost in attack and becoming an additional midfielder on the left in defensive duties. The plan worked for Atlético against a Celta side that controlled and dominated but barely reached Oblak's vicinity, with the home team focused on pressing and defensive sacrifice.

Atlético did not suffer in the first half, and since Claudio Giráldez's team did not press or create attacking opportunities, Simeone's men decided to regain possession and ventured towards the opposing goal, albeit with insufficient numbers and ultimately hindered by fatigue. Celta could have won if not for Sorloth, but the Norwegian forward, who offers different offensive alternatives to Atlético compared to Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, was decisive when needed. Just as Atlético delivered another match marked by tremendous collective effort, which was rewarded after Pablo Barrios' blunder.