Before the Game:
These two teams are most likely looking to win so they can be one step closer to Champions League football. The game is going to be held at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium, and this makes the game just a bit more interesting, as Valencia are unbeaten a home. The Mestalla might just save Valencia because before the match, Valencia is 18th in La Liga for xG difference per game, while Atletico is only 3rd. When you see that, you might think this is going to be an easy win for Atletico, but they are significantly underperforming in the attack. Atletico takes an above-average number of quality shots, but for some reason, they are unable to capitalize on those opportunities. Currently, Atletico has 7 goals less than their xG. Atletico has also conceded the least amount goals this season, and in terms of xG conceded, they are the second-best right behind their city rivals, Real Madrid.
xG: Expected Goals
The Game:
As the game started, Valencia seemed to be controlling the game with the home team having most of the possession, but a lucky 15th-minute goal from Llorente means that Atletico are 0-1 up early on. Valencia are able to come back in the game in the 40th-minute off a corner that is brought down by Maxi Gomez and is crossed back into the 6-yard box to be headed in by Gabriel Paulista. Atletico’s lead was quickly restored when a Dani Parejo mistake leads to an incredible goal from Thomas Partey in the 43rd-minute. Valencia come back in the second half when Kondogbia scores off a cross from a free-kick by Parejo in the 59th-minute. The game ends 2-2 in the Mestalla Stadium.
After the Game:
Valencia CF: Today, we saw an excellent Valencia side unlucky to not come out with 3 points. They were unlucky to not score at least two more goals with clear chances missed by Kevin Gameiro and Maxi Gomez, neither of which hit the target. The team had a couple of great performances, but two that stood out the most were Ferran Torres and, as always, Parejo. Ferran Torres created a couple of great opportunities, and he was tormenting Lodi and Saul all game. Parejo practically controlled the tempo of the match, and he keeps showing that he is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated players in the world. Unfortunately, the 92nd-minute injury of Gabriel Paulista most likely means that Valencia will have none of their starting center-backs for their Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Atalanta. Valencia’s search for European football only gets more difficult after today’s match.
Atletico Madrid: Obviously, a win is what every team strives for, but the Mestalla is always a difficult place to play. Atletico played the game very conservatively with around 36% possession. But that’s how Atletico play, and that’s why they have the best defense in La Liga. With an under-performing attack, the Atletico midfield stepped up today, with both goals for the team coming from the midfield. One of those midfielders, Partey, was Atletico’s stand-out performer today. He had 12 ball recoveries and a fantastic goal to top it all off. This result does not bring good news with the possibility of both Sevilla FC and Real Sociedad jumping ahead of them in the league table. And the next couple of weeks are going to get more difficult for Atletico if they want to make it past Liverpool in the Champions League and still compete in La Liga.
Football Thoughts 