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#2 Valencia and Atletico remind us of their battling qualities
Many are tipping Atletico Madrid to challenge for the title this season after an active transfer window. Their 4-2 triumph over rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup only strengthened that belief.
Their hosts on Monday night, Valencia, had just returned to the Champions League thanks in no small part to Marcelino. The manager has them organised, tough to break down and lethal on the counter-attack.
Unsurprisingly, this encounter was scrappy. Atletico had settled the better and took a first-half lead when Griezmann produced a magic pass for Angel Correa to finish.
Valencia, though, didn’t get top four last season without possessing some grit. They came out in the second half with renewed vigour and equalised through last season’s top scorer Rodrigo.
With the full backing of the Mestalla, Valencia took on Atletico stride for stride and could perhaps consider themselves unfortunate not to win a game that ended with both sides exhausted like it was extra-time.
Neither side will earn plaudits for their excellent attacking football this season, but there’s no doubting their battling qualities. Nobody will enjoy facing them.
