Atletico Madrid pushed to the limit by Union St. Gilloise

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Union St. Gilloise

Atletico Madrid received a vital second win within the Champions League after back-to-back defeats, downing Union St. Gilloise on the dying in an entertaining encounter. It was a European efficiency that reminded of their struggles of current years, however one they finally got here via.

Diego Simeone’s aspect began off on the again foot within the first half, with the tempo of Kevin Rodriguez and Ousseynou Niang inflicting havoc on the break down Atletico’s left aspect. Los Colchoneros regularly grew into the sport because it went on although, gaining territory. Simply because the half threatened to fizzle out although, Julian Alvarez struck with their first clear probability.

Giuliano Simeone, in good kind, was once more the catalyst for Atletico. Launched down the appropriate aspect, he knocked the ball previous the defender and burned him for tempo, earlier than chopping it again for Alvarez. His first contact looped up, however he then volleyed the ball into the far nook. Los Rojiblancos thought they’d a second on the point of half-time, when Antoine Griezmann knocked into an empty web after Nahuel Molina’s shot from distance was tipped onto the submit. On evaluate, it was dominated out for offside although.

Union St. Gilloise push Atletico to the restrict

It appeared because the second half went on that Atletico had been going to impose their will, however USG had been decided to not go quietly. With the introduction of Alexander Sorloth, Atletico started to buffet their manner in the direction of the Belgian objective. When the second got here, it was Sorloth’s work down the left channel that resulted in a unfastened ball within the field. Conor Gallagher, off the bench, lastly corraled it, and checked again onto his proper, earlier than choosing out hte high nook with a wonderful end.

Simply earlier than that, Promise David had squandered a golden probability to equalise. With 10 minutes to go, a set-piece from Atletico’s left aspect was curled to the again submit by Sofiane Boufal, and Ross Sykes towered over Matteo Ruggeri to go previous Oblak.

Into the ultimate levels, and the sport turned stretched to breaking level. Alvarez burst away from the USG defence, and appeared to have settled the sport, however an excellent hand from goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen stored the Belgian leaders alive. They had been additionally kicking – coming near the ultimate cross on a number of events, when the ball was knocked down, substitute Louis Patris was free within the six-yard field to go house, however couldn’t get any energy on his effort, which looped into the arms Jan Oblak.

🇪🇸✨ Pablo Barrios’ first half:

– 97% cross accuracy– 35/36 passes– 1 foul gained– 1 deal with– 2 interceptions– 3/4 floor duels gained– 2/2 aerial duels gained pic.twitter.com/Hw50Oy5XAQ

— Atletico Universe (@architetturauniverse) November 4, 2025

Moments later, Sorloth broke up the left this time, and choosing out Thiago Almada within the field, Scherpen pulled off one other high quality save with seconds remaining. This time, Marcos Llorente was ready to complete the match off for good.

Simeone all the time places worth on the flexibility of his aspect to endure, however many Colchoneros had been marvel if it was too straightforward to trigger chaos for a backline that had been enjoying nicely within the second half. Offensively, Atletico proceed to look sharp and incisive – after a interval of management, they had been drawn right into a recreation that almost value them some extent. A second win strikes Atletico as much as six factors and into 14th spot.