Madrid/Prensa Latina
By Fausto Triana
The Catalans’ bitterness came in two forms: the end of Barcelona’s unbeaten run in official competitions, coupled with Girona’s defeat in the opening game of the Football Champions League.
However, today’s commentary focuses more on the success of the two giants from the Spanish capital, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, who won their duels against Stuttgart 3-1 and RB Leipzig 2-1, respectively.
The rivalry between Madrid and Catalonia covers all areas of life in Spain, and even more so in football. Although Barcelona is leading the league with a full house of victories, the unexpected slip-up against Monaco is the subject of much discussion.
The team, now led by German Hansi Flick, has been absent from the important stages of the Champions League for several years. In fact, the last time they won the Orejona was in 2015.
They were the clear favourites to beat Monaco until a mistake by goalkeeper Ter Stegen forced central defender Eric García to commit a harsh foul in a promising play on the edge of the area after 10 minutes.
García’s expulsion put the Catalans in crisis and to make matters worse, in the 16th minute Maghnes Akliouche put the team from the Principality ahead. However, in the 28th minute, the youngster Lamine Yamal equalised with a low shot from the edge of the area. In the second half, Barça did not take advantage of their opportunities and the physical strain took its toll. In the 71st minute, the recently substituted George Ilenikhena put the final score at 2-1.
It was an enjoyable and emotional day for Atlético de Madrid, who were forced to show their best form to overcome a tough Leipzig.
They overcame an early disadvantage with a goal from Sesko in the fourth minute, with a goal from the Frenchman Griezmann and in extremis, from the Uruguayan Josema Giménez in the 90th.
Earlier, reigning Champions League champions Real Madrid did their homework, albeit without brilliance and with some anguish in their match against Stuttgart.
I need exceptional performances from their goalkeeper, the Belgian Thibaut Courtois, and goals from the Frenchman Mbappé, the German Rudiger and the Brazilian Endrick.
Barcelona’s slip-up was followed by another for Girona, due to a serious error by their goalkeeper, the Argentine Gazzaniga, who let the ball go through his legs and allowed the 0-1 against the powerful Paris Saint Germain. The changed format of the Champions League allows more possibilities for teams to advance to the next phase, but checking the box of success in the opening game is always advantageous.
The Spanish LaLiga is back on Saturday, with Girona taking on Valencia and Real Madrid taking on Espanyol to regain their sensations, while on Sunday Barcelona-Villarreal and Atlético de Madrid-Rayo Vallecano clash.
#Sweet #Madrid #bitter #Catalans #Champions
