Friday, May 18th, 2012
Juanfran’s late strike gave Atlético Madrid a perhaps undeserved point against Rennais this evening, in the Europa League Group I game.
Rennais were in control for the majority of the match and they controlled from the off, with an early Julien Féret strike being saved by Thibaut Courtois a warning shot inside the opening 20 minutes. The French side continued to control and although they created a few chances they couldn’t finish.
A Jires Ekoko strike sailed wide before Victor Montano had his first real effort saved by Courtois on the stroke of half time.
Inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half though, Rennais went and struck though Montano. The striker played a one-two with Stéphane Dalmat and after a smart run by the midfielder, Colombian Montano saw his 20-yard shot cannon of Álvaro Domínguez and evade Courtois.
Rennais had got exactly what they deserved following persistent pressure. Atleti failed to get going all night and it never looked likely they would score, but a cruel twist on Rennais saw them level.
Eduardo Salvio, who hasn’t been a regular, made a dart down the wing and crossed in for Juanfran who smashed his shot into the roof of the net much to the despair of Rennais and their support.
Courtois was then called upon one more time as Jonathan Pitroipa had his injury time effort well saved by the Belgian. The result keeps Atleti top of the group by four points, though they’ll be looking for a much more improved performance at the weekend when Sevilla visit the Vicente Calderón.
FT: Stade Rennais 1 (56’) – Atlético Madrid 1 (87’)
Meanwhile in Bilbao…
Athletic Bilbao provided Marcelo Bielsa a much-needed victory as they put in their most impressive performance of the season yet against a depleted PSG.
Coming into the game Athletic had won only one game this season, in this very competition against Slovan Bratislava, while PSG were firing on all cylinders in the French league. The match provided a welcome distraction from the domestic picture for Athletic though as they produced a fine attacking display.
Athletic started the game in extremely positive manner with some high pressing and incisive movement in attacking quarters, as they controlled the ball well in midfield and used the positive movement in wide areas of their full backs to advantage. Bielsa had chosen for the first time natural players in those roles and it was benefiting the team greatly – they got their just reward with a goal during this spell.
Andoni Iraola laid the ball off to Llorente after a dummy by Iker Muniain, who in turn released Óscar de Marcos, who ran to the by-line and pinged back a cross for Igor Gabilondo to volley home at the back post.
PSG then responded well with two chances as Nenê’s free-kick was tipped over by Gorka Iraizoz and then Siaka Tiéné was allowed to run into space and unleash a shot which went over the bar. As well as Athletic were moving the ball in attack they constantly left gaps at the back, but PSG were unable to profit – even the usually superb Javier Pastore was off-par.
Just before half-time Athletic found another goal that their play warranted, as another slick move allowed in Markel Susaeta who finished in a classy manner. The Basque outfit had countered PSG’s own response with one of their own and they found a tempo to play at which they like.
The second half was a pragmatic affair as Athletic looked to take the sting out of the game, but still had some fine moments of play much due to the lively Muniain who was marauding through central areas and Iraola who continuously bombed on and provided width. Momo Sissoko saw red during the second half too for a crude lunge on Muniain who had evaded Sissoko’s challenge and another with a fine drop of the shoulder and turn.
In the end Athletic grabbed all the points, and will go into the Basque Derby on Sunday in a confident manner, as Bielsa finally put the round pegs in the round holes. San Mamés is singing once again, and like their tea once more, they were in tune.
FT: Athletic Bilbao 2 (Gabilondo 20, Susaeta 45) – PSG 0
Tags: Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Bielsa, Falcao, Juanfran, Llorente, Muniain, Patore, PSG, Stade Rennais
Falcao needs to step up to the next level and show his class for his new club. Athletico look weak right now up front. Forlan is already doing that for Inter.