Raúl García rifles Atlético into the final

Atlético scraped a slender win in their first out of the Trofeo Ramón de Carranza – one of the most prestigious summer tournaments in Spain. It was a practical performance from the madrileños, but not entirely devoid of brilliant football against a Cádiz side who refused to throw in the towel right up until the final whistle was blown.

Simeone deployed Griezmann just behind Mario Mandzukic in what could be a dress rehearsal for next week’s Spanish Supercup meeting with Real Madrid. Also in the starting line-up was Ansaldi who got the nod at left-back ahead of Siqueira. The rest of the formation came as no surprise to Rojiblanco fans – Juanfran, Miranda, Godín; Gabi, Tiago, Koke and Raúl García...

The backbone of the team is the same as last year’s – as is the style of play. Atleti’s intentions were clear from kick-off, Simeone’s charges set about pounding Aulestia’s goal in search of an early opener. Neither Griezmann nor Mandzukic, who enjoyed two attempts each, were clinical enough to find a way past the Cádiz keeper. The Croatian striker was involved in every moment of danger in the locals’ box – a fierce volley was blocked, another chance whisked wide. Christian Vieri’s beginnings at Atlético at the tail end of the 90s were similar – he spent his first pre-season firing blanks only to come good when official competition began. Mandzukic gives the impression that he will deliver for Atlético because his movement within the penalty area is impeccable and he never hesitates – he does not think twice about having a crack on goal. Griezmann showed class and left us with a few pearls of his technical ability but he needs to offer a lot more than he did this evening.

Atleti had no problems advancing on the Cádiz goal; Godín was denied by the cross bar from a corner and Tiago blasted just inches wide of the upright. The deadlock was finally broken on 58 minutes. Raúl García, just on the right-hand corner of the penalty area, attempted to cross but miscued and his effort turned into a spectacular opener – sailing over the keeper and in off the far post.

The tempo dropped in the second period but Cádiz came close to sending the game into extra-time only for Miranda to block a last ditch effort. Atlético will face the winners of tonight’s other semi-final, Sevilla or Sampdoria, in the final tomorrow night.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1vScGLP

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