Atletico vs Bayer: Atletico win 1-0 despite injury woes

Morata scored the only goal for Atletico

Atletico Madrid beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in champions league group league match in Wanda Metropolitano yesterday. Alvaro Morata won the match for Atletico Madrid, when his header hit back of the net from a corner from left flank by Renan Lodi at 77th minute of the match.

5 Talking Points

Joao Felix absence was felt

Joao Felix missed the game due to an ankle injury that he picked up against Valencia at the weekend, and Atletico looked toothless upfront in his absence. Diego Costa spearheaded the attack alongside Angel Correa, but the pair failed to make an impact as Leverkusen contained them for large parts of the game.

Felix joined Atleti this summer for a record-breaking fee believed to be in the region of €123 million, and the youngster had memorable run in the last Champions League. Alvaro Morata’s goal late in the second half saved the day for Atletico. In recent weeks, Felix has been one of the standout performers for the Rojiblancos, and his absence was apparent as Leverkusen nearly left the Spanish capital with a point.

Koke was whitshilled

Midfielder Koke – a long-time servant of the club – was whistled by the home fans. “I feel good when I see the passion, and today the team had passion,” Simeone told his post-match press conference, as cited by Marca. “We could play well or poorly, …but we found a way to win, and we are closer to doing things right – this was a decisive victory.

“The people of Atlético have always been passionate, intense, participatory. I felt very good at the key moment. “Whistles for Koke? People do what they feel and see at that time. It’s football. At the time of Luis, Caminero, Kiko…they have been whistled by everyone. “When Koke leaves the club, they will thank him for what he does for Atlético. People are spontaneous. We have to look for those people to stop whistling and start applauding.”