Atletico Madrid and Lazio clashed in the Spanish capital tonight to do battle over first place in group E. Both sides had already qualified but a potentially more negotiable round of 16 draw beckoned. Atletico only needed a draw whereas Lazio had to claim all three points. The Biancocelesti had 3000 travelling supporters behind them tonight but some might not have made it to their seats before their team was already behind. A series of defensive errors let Antoine Griezmann sweep Samuel Lino’s cross into the back of the net after five minutes.
After this Lazio endeavoured to draw level but Mattia Zaccagni fired wide and a handful of other chances went begging. Atletico hadn’t lost at home in 19 games and in truth they never looked in real danger over the 90 minutes. Five minutes into the second half Lino got a goal himself to double the lead and close out the game, a superb strike into the top corner from close range. The second half was a dull affair from Lazio’s view as the home side dominated the ball and the chances, pinning their oppositon into their own half. Substitutes couldn’t make a difference going forward as Lazio’s defence lacked communication leading to a 2-0 loss. Maurizio Sarri’s men were obviously second best on the pitch tonight as the Aquile are made settle for second which is a worry as next up they face the high flying Inter in Serie A.
Ivan Provedel – 6
Confident with feet. Some good saves in the first half. Nothing he could do about either goal.
Elseid Hysaj – 4.5
Took a bit too much out of ball at times but was trying to get forward. Struggled with players coming at him often Caught ball watching for a goal that was ruled out. Stormed down the tunnel and was not impressed with being subbed off at all.
Nicolo Casale – 4.5
Wandering on occasion. Was caught and dispossessed. Could’ve done better on both goals. Didn’t close down Griezmann for the opener.
Mario Gila – 5
Better of the two centre halves tonight although his header gave away the ball for the first goal. Good challenges were interspersed with bad passes. Overall not brilliant.
Adam Marusic – 4
Lost a 50/50 ball in the build up to the first goal. Samuel Lino caused him complications on the wing. Stood off Lino again and the Brazilian doubled the lead. Couldn’t keep up with the play and was bypassed. Poor.
Luis Alberto – 6
Involved in play but nothing amazing to report. He did what he could but it didn’t leave a mark. Was subbed off after the hour mark.
Matias Vecino – 5
Tried to reach the front three with his passes. Good accuracy on these passes was evident. Defensively he tried to plug gaps and stop Los Colchoneroes taking over but he struggled with quick plays.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Snook around into good receiving positions. Lots of effort put in to attacks. Had Lazio’s best chance of the second half but only found the side netting from close range. Most suited to this game.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5
The winger’s first chance started by beating two defenders to cut inside but he dragged the shot wide. Tried an overhead kick that didn’t come off. As the game wore on opportunities were hard to come by and he couldn’t get past his man by the end of the 90 minutes
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
Put in lots of running for very little reward. Will be frustrated with the lack of help he received. The tight defence left him with very little to work with.
Pedro – 6
Put in a late tackle early on and was booked for it. Capitalised on loose balls and counter-attacks but the final few passes were often lacking in quality. Overall he did well.
Substitutes:
Felipe Anderson – 6
Made good runs at pace but the odd chance he had ended with weak shots. Linked up with Lazzari but they didn’t get enough crosses in. Best one was at the death for Guendouzi.
Manuel Lazzari – 5
Muscled off the ball by Lino. More attacking then the man he replaced. Crosses were a bit aimless. A physical mismatch with opponents.
Daichi Kamada – 5.5
Good movement off the ball but Lazio lacked any spark in the second half and he couldn’t initiate anything. Too relaxed when the game required urgency.
Taty Castellanos – 4.5
Had one weak shot on the turn but he wasn’t set up. When he did get the ball he lacked composure and moves broke down.
Luca Pellegrini – 6
Focused on attacking but it was too little too late. Crosses were better then against Verona at the weekend. However no chances followed.