Arsenal fail to capitalize on disadvantaged Atletico as they draw 1-1 at home

The Emirates Stadium looked packed for the first time in a while ahead of the clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League. The night marked Arsene Wenger’s last home match in Europe and he was looking to end it on a climax. The fans were pumped up and ready to give their all as the ready whistled kick off. The referee wanted to let the players know that he was the one in command he did not waste time before flashing a yellow card to Vrsaljiko for a late challenge on Jack Wilshere. The player was standing in for Juanfran at right-back since the Spaniard is injured. Vrsaljiko was silly to make a challenge on Lacazette and the referee showed him a second yellow in the 10th minute and Atletico Madrid were down to 10 men with more than 80 minutes to go. Hector Bellerin was involved in a clash with Koke shortly after and Diego Simeone reacted outrageously which saw the referee sending him off to the stands. The Gooners could not have a better advantage to put it a great performance against the wounded Madrid side. Wenger’s men, however, failed to produce a goal before the referee called for halftime. Atletico Madrid reshaped pretty well and showed discipline.

The Spanish club never really looked like they were a man down as they also created chances to match what Arsenal were doing. Both teams wasted a couple of opportunities before Jack Wilshere’s cross was headed past Jan Oblak by Lacazette. 1-0 and Arsenal looked like they were going to score more. Atletico Madrid went back into their shell and defended with their lives while waiting for counterattacks. As you might have guessed, it only took one counter-attack and Griezmann was through on goal with only Koscielny as a threat. The French defender failed to clear the ball and Griezmann got past the on-rushing Ospina. Mustafi had the chance to block Griezmann’s shot from going in but he slipped and saw the want-away striker score Atletico Madrid’s equalizer in the 82nd minute. That was it as Arsenal failed to capitalize on their advantage. The return leg would be a steeper mountain to climb with Diego Costa expected to be fit and will start from the beginning of the match. Will Arsenal have enough to win in Spain after struggling in their away form this season?

Madrid derby ends in a draw

Not much was expected in this Madrid derby as both teams have almost conceded the La Liga title to Barcelona who lead the table with 79 points and Real Madrid with 64 points after the derby match. There was little fight in the teams to make the derby interesting as both teams have their eyes set on their second leg clashes in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Nonetheless, Zidane called on Ronaldo to start the match in a much rested squad that saw players like Mateo Kovacic, Bale and Vazquez make the first 11. Both teams looked off and the match did not really feel like the derby as the levels of intensity was a little bit lower than expected. The first half reflected the poor energy levels of both teams and it is no surprise that it was goalless. Cristiano Ronaldo then scored for Real Madrid on the 53rd minute. The Portuguese forward scored a volley from a Gareth Bale cross that found him at the far post. This goal means that Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in his last 15 matches. What a turnaround in form for a player who was starting to be regarded as finished. His celebrations were shortened as Antoine Griezmann scored for Atletico just 4 minutes later. Ronaldo was taken off by Zidane who did not want to his star man to get injured in a match that was not as important as it should be. Both teams found opportunities to win it as Varane’s effort and Ramos’ freekick was clawed out by Oblak while Costa also saw his shots saved by Navas. This result means that Barcelona have edged closer to winning the La Liga title with a 11 point advantage with just 7 games remaining. It’s all in your hands Barca.

Derby Weekend-Sunday: Which Real Madrid will show up against a resurgent Atletico

Los Blancos are now clearly one of the favorites to win the Uefa Champions League for the third time in a row after Cristiano Ronaldo helped them dismiss PSG 5-2 and also put them in position to qualify for the semi-finals in bicycle style, winning 3-0 at Juventus. However, the prospects have not been as exciting back home, after a slow start to the La Liga season that saw them fail to beat any of their main title rivals, losing 3-0 to Barcelona at home and drawing 0-0 with Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano. They now sit third on the log, four points adrift of Atletico and thirteen behind the Catalans. Their form has drastically improved, winning 8 of their previous 9 league games but the title is now realistically out of reach and a second place finish might save Zidane some blushes. Sunday’s derby will be what it has always been about, pride more than the points.

Real will face a tricky Atletico who are also fairly confident after putting themselves in a good position to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals after beating Sporting CP 2-0 on Thursday. Atletico might still be looking bag as many points as possible hoping that Barcelona might unlikely slip giving them second chance at the title. Diego Simeone’s men have won the three of the last eleven at the Bernabeu after having waited since 1999 to beat Los Blancos away from home.

Griezmann, Costa, Ronaldo, Bale or Isco? Who will draw first blood? Join the conversation in the comment box below.

The Spanish club is coming to terms with the likelihood of Griezmann’s departure

Guillem Balague, SkySports’ Spanish football expert talks about Atletico Madrid’s situation with Griezmann. It is believed that they are coming to terms with the fact that the player could be leaving in the summer and should be on the hunt for a replacement. Rumors of Barcelona being the favorites to land the striker have increased in recent weeks and they do not look like they will vaporize until the player signs a new contract extension before the World Cup. Griezmann is currently away with his national team France but will return to his club to play in La Liga at the weekend. Where do you think Griezmann should go? Don’t forget to drop your comments below.

The French forward acknowledges the possibility of a move

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has given a deadline about his future. He talked about how is ambitious and wants to focus on winning major trophies as one of his goals. The player has been linked to a move to Manchester United before and has stated that he wants his future to be resolved before he goes for the World Cup in June. Griezmann does not want any distractions during the tournament that comes with being asked whether or not he is staying in Spain. The 27 year old dreams of being a Ballon d’Or winner but only when it is accompanied by winning trophies like the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Euros among others. That is all we have heard from the striker about his future now we want to hear from you about what you think will happen. Is Griezmann going to stay if Atletico offer him the rumored bumper contract? Will he go to Manchester United who seem to already have a good strike force? Where else could he go? Drop your comments below.

The Austrian side terminates Stoger’s team

RB Salzburg held on to a goalless draw to eliminate one of the title favorites from the competition. The club won the first leg 2-1 away and many were hoping to see a mean-attacking Dortmund that sought to regain control over the tie and qualify to the next round. With all due respect to Salzburg, a Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid clash in the last 8 would have been more attractive but fair play to them. They did bits in their first leg and shuttered Dortmund in the return. They deserve to go through to the next round.

In other news, Atletico Madrid won 5-1 on Thursday to make it an 8-1 aggregate against Lokomotiv Moscow as they cruise to the quarterfinals. Fernando Torres was the star of the show as he scored a brace in a match where Saul Niguez, Correa and Griezmann all scored past Kochenkov. Rybus’ goal was not enough to rub the blushes of a poor Russian side. Do you know who else has made it to the last 8? Drop your comments below