Atlético Madrid were in real pressure for the three points, as the day before an impressive Valencia drew 2-2 against Real Madrid to cut the gap between the sides to only three points.
However, Atléti had to settle for a draw of their own, as a well organised Levante twice led the favourites in the game with a late Fernando Torres leveller saving Los Colchoneros and leaving the gap remaining at four points with two games to go.
Diego Simeone continued to use the proven reliable 4-4-2 formation that has been adopted as of late and made three changes to the side from the game against Athletic Club Bilbao last week, with Arda Turan, Mario Mandžukić and José Giménez replacing Raúl García, Torres and Diego Godín in the starting line-up, with the latter having to miss the game altogether due to suspension.
In a game where both sides have something to play for, the intent to win was evident from both the home side and visitors. Levante, currently sitting 15th and only 3 points above relegation, tactically and perhaps cautiously, set out defensively with five at the back, three just in front and two upfront.
Mandžukić fired a strong header in the 10th minute, which was saved superbly by Diego Mariño, who was then called into action immediately as Turan was on the receiving end of the rebound. Happy to soak the pressure and attack on the counter, Levante scored out of nowhere, with moments before Atléti having a corner, Levante quickly dispersed and went from defence into attack in a matter of seconds and scored on the break with Miranda and Giménez defensively poor and gifting David Barral an easy tap-in.
Yet much to the dismay of Levante, the lead only lasted a short period with Tiago clipping the ball into the box and Guilherme Siqueira scoring exceptionally with a half-volley, his first league goal of the campaign.
The second-half began as the first had ended, with Atléti pilling the pressure and Levante sitting back and waiting to strike on the counter. Simeone made his first change of the game with Torres coming on for Mandžukić in what looked to be to try grabbing the three points, however, two minutes later Kalu Uche scored, after his intial shot was saved by Jan Oblak but fortunately sees the rebound come back off him to give Levante the lead again. Simeone looked to try end his bad form at the Ciudad de Valencia and replaced both Tiago and Gabi for the more attack minded Saúl and Raúl García.
With a win securing status in La Liga next season, Levante’s supporters were in full voice as the team soaked in Atléti’s pressure well and looked to see off a 2-1 win. But it was not meant to be, with Torres scoring a bullet header in the 80th minute to level the score and share the points in a fairly even game.
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Guilherme Siqueira has made no need for a return for Filipe Luís
The left-back signed in the beginning of the season as a replacement for the departed Filipe Luís has proved to be a consistent deputy on the left side for Simeone’s side. Acquiring the traits and characteristics Simeone demands from his players, today’s game showed more so, while the rumours are circulating of a makeshift deal involving Luís to return in a deal to help persuade Atléti sell Antoine Griezmann to Chelsea, that Siqueira has proven to be a successful replacement.
Solid defensively as well as bombarding forward, Siqueira’s crosses were deadly throughout the game with Mandžukić unlucky to not score from his delivery. Whilst at the age of 29, Siqueira is not one for the future at the Club, however, his contribution is well worth the present and he provides Atléti with the demanding performance set by Simeone week in and week out. With Team of the Month in April, Jesús Gámez, also proving to be quality signing, Atléti would be foolish to resign Luís.
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Atléti should experiment with a 4-3-3 formation
With consecutive draws for Atléti and the displays shown recently, the current 4-4-2 formation occupied by the Club does a reliable and solidarity defensively, however against lower positioned teams such as Levante, offensively struggle at times with high defensive tactics. With Griezmann and Turan being able to play on both the right and left side of attack, the duo would be a great option for the strong Mandžukić.
The game against Levante showed Atléti to having long spells of possession however offensively did not create nor threat a team fighting for relegation as much as they should have. With the vision and creativity of Koke and the defensive cover from Gabi and Tiago, the three man midfield would seem to benefit more against teams applying five at that back.
At times both Griezmann and Mandžukić were well marshalled by the Levante back five, with crosses being Atléti’s only source to break through their defence. Whilst the 4-4-2 will be more ideal for the next fixture feature, a tough home match against possible La Liga winners Barcelona, the game against Levante provided a good chance to experiment tactics offensively.
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