The scene was so passive and only one goal was conceded. The Spaniard was very satisfied with this score.
But everyone in the Espanyol team understood that if they continued playing like this, they would not be able to sustain the entire second half.
Returning to the locker room, Sergio briefly summarized the problems that occurred in the first half, and then made adjustments to the tactics and player positions for this game.
The forward line basically had no performance in the first half.
Moreno didn't even have a single shot, and even a forward like Zhao Yang was looked down upon, with only one hasty long-range shot.
Of course that doesn't mean that the two forwards are useless.
The reason why the most threatening shots are completed by the two defensive midfielders is because Atletico Madrid puts almost all its energy into defending the forwards and midfielders.
Judging from the situation in the first half, the Spaniards will definitely focus on defense in the second half and will not get many shooting opportunities.
How to seize the limited opportunities has become the key to winning the game in the second half.
Sergio's adjustment was not big, he just moved Moreno back to the midfield, leaving only Zhao Yang in front.
Increase the number of people in the midfield, strengthen the defense of the midfield, and allow Zhao Yang to seize the limited shooting opportunities.
visiting team locker room
Atletico Madrid head coach Simeone is also arranging tactics with the players.
Simeone was not satisfied with the first half.
However, Simeone was only dissatisfied with the score and was still satisfied with the scene.
Simeone did not change tactics, but mainly provided detailed guidance.
In this game, Simeone is most worried about Zhao Yang showing off his power. The last time he failed to win against Espanyol at home, it was because Zhao Yang scored two goals, one of which was scored at the last minute.
The players who defended Zhao Yang performed very well in this game and did not give Zhao Yang a chance to score.
Simeone repeatedly warned him not to relax in defense against Zhao Yang in the second half.
To a striker who has scored 34 goals in La Liga, you cannot give him any chance, otherwise you will be seeking your own death.
In addition, players in the back row cannot be given too many opportunities, and small roles often change the outcome of the game.
Not letting the opponent score is the basis, but more importantly, you must score the goal yourself.
Simeone did not put all the responsibility for scoring goals on the forwards. He told the players that the Spaniards would definitely focus on defending Torres and Griezmann, so whoever has the chance will shoot.
The 15-minute break passed quickly and the second half of the game began.
The Spaniard tried to attack Atletico Madrid at the beginning.
However, Atletico Madrid started defensively, had rich experience in stealing chickens, and were very focused. The Spaniard's sneak attack was unsuccessful, and Atletico Madrid almost counterattacked because of his heavy pressure.
Seeing that the situation was not good, the Spaniards immediately gave up the sneak attack, gradually recovered, and continued their defensive counterattack.
Compared with the first half, the Spaniard's defense was more fierce in the second half and committed more fouls.
This set worked very well for Real Madrid and Barcelona. With the Spaniard's strength, Real Madrid and Barcelona also had to go through a lot of trouble to win.
However, Atletico Madrid are too familiar with this style of play. Compared to being fierce, they are no worse than the Spaniards, and they are also more hidden and less likely to be discovered by the referee.
After only ten minutes of play in the second half, the Spaniard was completely passive and had to shrink again and set up a barrel formation.
Atletico Madrid couldn't hit the penalty area, so they could only shoot from long range and hit the penalty area again.
This is a reappearance of the rhythm of the first half.
Different from the first half, this time only Zhao Yang was left in front of the Spaniard, and everyone else returned to their penalty area.
Atletico didn't dare to be careless, leaving two players behind to mark Zhao Yang, and a defensive midfielder ready to come back at any time to help defend.
The game lasts for 60 minutes.
Atletico Madrid, which has been shooting long shots from the outside and making crosses from the wing, made substitution adjustments.
Argentina forward Correa replaced midfielder Carrasco.
The little Correa is nicknamed "Aguero II".
Correa has flexible feet, quick turns, excellent small skills, and can make a fuss in a small space.
In addition, Correa has excellent speed and passing footwork, and he can also play as a winger.
Seeing that punching and long-range shots couldn't solve the problem, Simeone wanted to replace Correa with another way to deal with intensive defense.
Correa is just 20 years old and has just landed in La Liga. Sergio and the players don't know much about him.
After Correa came on the field, Sergio did not respond in time. Perhaps Sergio did not think it was necessary to make changes because of a young man.
After Correa came on, Atletico Madrid suddenly changed its rhythm, with Griezmann, Torres and Correa playing short passes and penetration.
Correa made a breakthrough on the wing, suddenly cut inside, and headed towards the center.
Sanchez and Duterte flanked each other, trying to intercept the ball.
Correa made a very deft pass through the crotch and passed the ball to Torres.
Torres tapped lightly and the ball reached the penalty area.
Correa rushed into the penalty area through the gap like a little jumper and grabbed Torres' pass.
Fortunately, Torres's knock was quite strong. When Correa got the ball, the angle of his shot was already very small.
Correa crossed the center and the ball was saved by goalkeeper Lopez.
This attack was a wake-up call, but the Spaniard did not think that Atletico Madrid would change their style of play and rhythm and would still play in the original way.
At this time, the commentator He Wei felt the danger and said: "This little man is very flexible. I'm afraid the Spaniard's rough defense will suffer. Simeone is not a pure fool."
In the 62nd minute of the game, Correa once again cut inside to the center.
Diop came over to intercept, and Correa immediately passed the ball to Griezmann and quickly got rid of Diop.
Griezmann stopped the ball and passed it to Correa who was running quickly.
Correa only needs to take a step, adjust his footing, and then he can shoot.
Diop chased after him, and the central defender also rushed over to block it.
At this time, Correa showed the Argentinian player's feet. He took a step, didn't shoot, knocked his heel, and passed to Griezmann.
Everyone's attention was on Correa, but Griezmann was left vacant.
Griezmann was overjoyed and passed the ball into the penalty area. Facing the hurried goalkeeper Lopez, he pushed the ball into the far corner with the arch of his foot.
Lopez had no time to get off the ground. He subconsciously stretched out his foot to block the ball, but still failed to touch the ball. The ball hit the right post and bounced into the net.
In the 62nd minute, Griezmann pushed the ball to help Atletico Madrid lead the Spaniard 2:1.
After scoring, Griezmann raised his arms and shouted, then ran over and hugged Correa who passed the ball to him.
On the sidelines, bandit coach Simeone clenched his fists with a smile on his face.
Correa lived up to his expectations and successfully opened up the opponent's defense.
Next to Simeone, Sergio's face was ashen. He must bear some responsibility for this conceded goal.
The player failed to react. If he had reminded the players, maybe the goal would not have happened.
Sergio deeply regretted his carelessness.
Although there is only one goal difference, with Atletico Madrid's defensive ability, it is too difficult for the Spaniards to equalize.
The last draw in stoppage time, with Simeone's shrewdness, probably won't happen again.