Against Juventus, a team Morata has faced in recent matches, Atlético Madrid showcased a striking display that underscored the potential of its attacking trio. The moment highlighted two decisive goals and a third, all in the first half, setting Atlético on a high tempo as LaLiga Santander kicked off on a bright note. The league tally saw Szczesny foil Joao Félix on a 0-4 scoreline, preserving Juventus from an even heavier early setback.
Atlético arrived ready to compete. The venue, the Continassa Sports Center, hosted a match that followed a disrupted schedule, with a previously planned game in Tel Aviv postponed due to regional safety concerns. The squad had trained for a short period and then swung into action, feeling cohesive, resilient, and prepared to contest for every prize. There was no room for excuses or middle ground.
Red and white, the emblem of Atlético, has long pursued more than mere qualification to the Champions League. That ambition has defined the club for a decade, and it extends beyond merely staying in contention. In past seasons the title race kept slipping away, yet this team keeps pushing. Simeone has built a side with eight trophies under his leadership, and the structure is aimed at achieving even more. A solidity in defense and a rapidly evolving attack are the blueprint for a sustained challenge.
Victory to close the pre-season on a perfect run. The sentiment saturated social feeds with messages of praise for the collective effort. A highlight reel captured the energy and precision of the performance, reinforcing a sense that something special was beginning to take shape for the season ahead.
Morata’s assessment echoed the mood in the camp. If the squad maintains this form, Atlético will have plenty to say during the campaign. The pre-season program left little room for doubt, with Morata netting in the Ramón de Carranza Trophy last week and showing readiness in every facet of the game. His previews against Juventus, who sought him out and managed a strong counter in the early stages, typified his profile as a forward who combines intelligence with clinical finishing.
From the opening minutes, Danilo’s right flank provided a constant challenge, and a precise sequence involving the center backs created the gap for a counterattack. Joao Félix delivered a measured assist and Morata finished with a composed left-footed strike. The move illustrated Atlético’s philosophy: quick transitions, smart positioning, and clinical execution when opportunities arise.
On the field, the Atlético team looked confident, compact, and razor-sharp. The performance reflected a group that is both technically capable and tactically flexible, able to switch from a high-pressing 5-3-2 to a more expansive 4-4-2 as needed. Players such as Morata, Joao Félix, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Lemar, Saúl, Savic, Reinildo, and others contributed to a rhythm that remained relentless throughout the match.
The first-half momentum culminated in a moment that defined the afternoon: Morata relayed a clever sequence that outmaneuvered Bonucci and Bremer, finishing with a precise shot that doubled Atlético’s lead. By the 42nd minute, the scoreline stood at 0-2, with the defense remaining stubborn and the offense pushing forward with pace.
Juventus found few answers as the match progressed. Grbic, standing in for Oblak, saw limited action until late in the game when Miretti produced a low effort that signaled a renewed Juventus threat, though for Atlético the control remained substantial. A set-piece from Lemar offered another chance, but Morata narrowly failed to connect with a header, maintaining the scoreline at 0-3 while reinforcing the comfort and confidence of the Atlético squad.
As the half faded, Morata emerged as the central figure in the host’s attacking philosophy, a forward who can create, convert, and lead from the front. The move of the game involved the striker playing a pivotal role in a counter that opened Bremer and collapsed the Juventus defense, leaving the ball at the feet of a finishing partner to seal the score at 0-4, with Cunha later adding a final touch on the scoreboard.
With the season’s immediate test looming, Getafe’s arrival on the horizon signaled the next step in Atlético’s development. The team’s preparations featured a balanced mix of youth and experience, a hallmark of Simeone’s approach. The starting XI for the opening fixture hinted at a flexible system that could adapt to different opponents and conditions, with the coach’s options expanding as the squad adapts and grows. The blend of players could yield a lineup that evolves through the match, testing different shapes and strategies as needed.
In the broader tactical frame, the alignment suggested a focus on cohesion, pressing intensity, and rapid ball progression. The midfielders Marcos Llorente, Koke Resurrección, and Thomas Lemar provided ballast in transition, while Nahuel Molina and the central defensive pairing offered balance and security. The squad’s depth, including players like Carrasco and Grbic, ensured that the roster could sustain a high tempo and maintain attacking momentum across matches.
Data snapshot
0 – Juventus: Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Bremer, Alex Sandro; Zakaria, Locatelli, Fagioli; Di Maria, Vlahovic, Soulé.
3 – Atlético Madrid: Grbic; Molina, Savic, Witsel, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Lemar, Saúl; Morata, Joao Félix.
Goal timings: 0-1 at 10; 0-2 at 42; 0-3 at 62; 0-4 at 91.
Referee: Paride Tremolada (Italy).
Events: Friendly match played without spectators at the Juventus Continassa Sports Center.