On Saturday evening, Atletico won a crazy duel against Getafe with 4:3 after recent unedifying results. The Colchoneros were first on course after a missed penalty, then behind, then outnumbered – and yet ultimately cheered in the closing stages.
When you think of Atletico, spectacle is not the next thing that comes to mind. But what the Rojiblancos put on against Getafe FC was top football entertainment, especially in the first period – after Correa made it 3-3 deep into seven minutes of first-half stoppage time, even steeled Atletico coach Diego Simeone had a head-shaking grin on his face.But in order.
The match between the two Madrid clubs got off to a heated start, with Suarez and Cuenca engaged in a heated exchange of words after the Getafe defender went down theatrically with an elbow strike. Shortly afterwards, Suarez took a penalty against Getafe keeper Soria, which the Uruguayan promptly missed himself – the goalkeeper thus making up for his gaffe (9th).
Correa plays out his speed
Shortly afterwards, however, the ball was in Getafe’s goal, as Correa played off his pace and pushed an involuntary assist from Djené into the net (19.). When the former Berliner Matheus Cunha increased the score shortly afterwards after a perfect move (27th), it seemed as if the fair had been read for Getafe early on. But the Madrid suburban club rebelled.
Atletico protest – Enes Ünal sinks twice with ice-cold precision
And how! Mayoral pushed a misplaced Jankto volley into the net (30th), before Enes Ünal converted two hand-held penalties with ice-cold precision after fierce protests from the Rojiblancos (37th, 42nd). Getafe were on top, had rewarded themselves for their courage, but were punished again before the half-time break – Lemar crossed from the left, Correa had sneaked free at the second post and with a bit of luck – Cuenca still decisively touched the ball with his chest – the Argentine and double-poacher headed the 3:3 half-time score (45.+4).
Felipes bad kick – Rojiblancos outnumbered for over half an hour
Half two started with a flat ball and much less open play. Obviously, both coaches wanted to see a little less wild football and sorted their ranks. Scoring chances were scarce at first, the next highlight was of an unpleasant nature: Savic put his defensive colleague Felipe in trouble with a ricochet and the veteran made a very nasty kick against Arambarri, which could only be punished with red (58.). The home side had a long half hour ahead of them with a man down.
Three jokers redeem Simeone
Atleti coach Simeone reacted immediately, taking striker Suarez off the pitch and allowing only defensive play. Getafe had hardly any chances, except for a low shot by Maksimovic, which went just wide. It was only in the closing stages that Madrid switched into forward gear again and were rewarded after a standard: Joker de Paul crossed inside, Joker Joao Felix headed the ball inside as it fell and Joker Hermoso nailed the ball in the second attempt with a side-footed shot from five metres into the net of the Getafe goal (89th minute) for the 4:3 winner.
No wonder Simeone gestured wildly on the line just before the final whistle for the game to end – and saw another effort from Getafe’s Maksimovic whizz just wide. When the final whistle finally blew, Simeone grinned a second time and then sprinted into the dressing room corridor, cheering fist and all. Probably also to catch his breath after this rollercoaster ride with a happy ending.