A happy team plays good football because they rely on sharp, well-thought-out ideas from the touchline to the pitch. The Dutch and Brazilian players contributed at key moments, with Memphis Depay capitalizing on opportunities from a transformed system that Simeone implemented. The red and white side celebrated after the cup with a solid win, beating one of the league’s in-form teams. Atlético finished third on goal difference, edging Barcelona.
The importance of rotations in Atletico
The match carried multiple incentives. It served as a test for players entering rotation as a busy period approached, with a Super Cup clash midweek, a derby to close the trilogy next weekend, and the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals looming. At the Metropolitano, attention focused on players like Memphis Depay, the trophy-winning figure born from a transformation that only Simeone seemed to fully understand at the time.
In the red-and-white fortress, the squad retained balance with contributions from several teammates. The Mozambican player returned to the starting XI for the first time in 337 days after an injury at the Bernabéu. Despite limited minutes in the African Cup, the coach adjusted many attacking movements while preserving a solid defensive plan, aiming to maximize the connection between wingers. Atlético did substantial damage in the first half with danger coming down the left side through Foulquier.
The goalkeeper Mamardashvili showed impressive reflexes, reacting swiftly as Memphis, Nahuel, Lino, and Griezmann combined with ease against Valencia. The visitors did not crumble, and Griezmann had his first major domestic chance of the game.
Samu Lino takes advantage of Foulquier’s mistake
The Georgian keeper’s reflexes were tested again when Lino struck shortly after. Valencia’s attempts grew bolder, but Barrios’ pass to the goal scarce opened a route for Valencia. Diego López and Fran Pérez swapped positions, while Canós remained a starter and Javi Guerra pressed Hugo Duro, seeking to disrupt the rhythm.
Atlético did not alter its approach in front of goal, and the Spanish coach, along with his staff, maintained a clear plan. The focus extended to the youth ranks and future prospects, highlighting a potential signing under consideration. Just as Valencia began to feel better, Griezmann exploited the absence of Foulquier and found space, with Samu Lino seizing the moment to finish decisively. A miscue from the visitors’ defense then exposed Baraja to frustration.
Griezmann’s run created an opening that Lino capitalized on, guiding Atlético toward a decisive moment in the fixture.
Memphis makes minutes profitable again
Valencia pushed forward in search of a breakthrough, but defending rigor remained a priority for Baraja’s side. After the break, Atlético regained control and pressed relentlessly, eventually securing the win through sustained attacking pressure. The performance underscored the tactical discipline the team has shown all season, shattering lingering clichés that had shadowed them for years.
The second goal arrived from a Koke-driven sequence, with Molina shifting from the left wing to the center to support the play. Memphis added the finishing touch, boosting his confidence after a memorable solo effort that seemed to tilt the wind in Atlético’s favor. Giménez departed early in the second half, a moment that sparked some tension but did not derail the team’s momentum. The match carried a sense of urgency as the season’s finances and ambitions demanded consistent contribution from every player.
Koke, playmaker of Atlético de Madrid — the work begins with his boots — the moment Memphis doubled the lead became a hallmark of their approach. The sequence demonstrated the depth of the squad and the effectiveness of the system that continues to evolve under the current regime.
Data sheet: 2 – Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Savic, Giménez, Reinildo, Lino; De Paul, Koke, Barrios; Griezmann and Memphis. 0 – Valencia: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Camira, Paulista, Gayá; Hugo Guillamón, Pepelu; Fran Pérez, Javi Guerra, Diego López; Hugo Duro. Goals: 1-0, 50th minute by Linen; 2-0, 57th minute by Memphis. Referee: From Burgos Bengoetxea. Yellow cards to Nahuel Molina and Saúl. The match, coinciding with LaLiga’s twenty-second round, was played in front of a large crowd at the Metropolitano stadium.