Step over Griezmann, Koke Atléti’s real most important player
Another poor performance by the Frenchman who has been suffering a mixed start to the season, both domestically in La Liga and in the Champions League. Tonight showed just how important Koke is to Simeone’s side, continuously creating key chances for his teammates and even attempting himself to get his side the crucial three points.
If not for some wastefulness in front of goal from the likes of Fernando Torres, Tiago and Griezmann, Atléti would have seen off Astana in comfortable fashion, similar to their first encounter and that is all due to the outstanding performance from Koke. With rumours circulating again of interest from Barcelona for the gifted Spanish international midfielder, Simeone needs to make sure his most important player remains in Madrid.
Group C providing real danger for Atléti
Four games in, and mathematically all teams still have a chance to secure a spot for the next round. Simeone would be disappointed his side did not overcome Astana, the supposedly weakest of the teams in the group. With Benfica narrowly defeating third placed Galatasaray, the win sees the Portuguese giants on top with nine points and two ahead of Atléti.
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Atléti have a tough end to their group stage, tackling Galatasaray and then a final away trip to Benfica. The loss against Benfica earlier in the competition is looking increasingly lingering for the Madrid side that had the chance to seal the victory if not for missing a golden opportunity which was a similar case today.
