Atlético Madrid were beaten 2–1 by Juventus in a tight Women’s Champions League clash that swung on key moments at both ends. Atlético opened the scoring in the 39th minute through Ane Azkona Sarriegi before Sofia Godø levelled with a precise free-kick early in the second half. Juventus later completed the comeback, and Israel Schmidt de Azevedo breaks down the decisive tactical themes.
The match between Atlético de Madrid and Juventus had a clear shape from the start, with Atlético looking to pressure, create chances and score. Juventus focused on defending. The team set up to protect the penalty area, stay compact without the ball and advance through counter-attacks when possible. Juventus defended in a medium to low block while Atlético committed almost the entire team inside the attacking half.
Atlético advanced the defensive line to the middle. Gabriela García centralised as the defensive midfielder. Aninha stepped forward to work as a second attacker with the attacking midfielder pushing high as well. Both side midfielders spiked by the flanks to work as wingers.
Juventus responded with two shapes. At times they narrowed the two lines of midfield through the two defensive midfielders, with the attacking and side midfielders forming a compact box. In other moments, the attacking midfielder moved close to the centre forward while the two side midfielders dropped deeper to form a line of four with both defensive midfielders. These players usually stayed close to the pair in front.
Atlético’s pressure looked effective. Juventus struggled to move out of the defensive third. In the third minute a cross from the right went into the area. Kullberg had her hand open when the ball struck it. The referee awarded a penalty for Atlético de Madrid. After a VAR review it was disallowed because the arm the ball struck was held tight to the body.
In the 32nd minute a corner led to Lauren heading the ball, but Lloris jumped and contested it. The header lacked power and direction. Gallardo saved comfortably as the ball was already drifting wide.
When defending, Atlético dropped slightly. García stayed central. Aninha moved into a side centre-midfielder role. Otermin moved from the left midfielder position to work as a centre-midfielder on the left. The attacking midfielder and right midfielder played as second attackers near the centre forward, who alternated between staying ahead of them and dropping behind.
Juventus answered this by spiking the left winger and attacking midfielder on the right. The defensive midfielder dropped to work almost as a libero, stepping between the centre-backs but also advancing to create and protect. Both full-backs pushed high to act as wing-backs. Bonansea moved deeper to play as a centre-midfielder in the second to last attacking third, with Godø supporting centrally.
In the 36th minute Harviken drove out of defence and passed two players before finding Tatiana Pinto. She shot from distance, and the curve of the ball made it difficult to read. Although the effort went close to the goalkeeper, Gallardo balanced herself well and saved it.
In the 39th minute Atlético combined neatly on the right. A long ball was played over the pressing line to Benítez. She squared to Sarriegi who controlled and finished, scoring Atlético’s goal. Atlético de Madrid now led 1–0.
In the 49th minute Juventus won a dangerous free kick near the area. Godø struck it with precision on the goalkeeper’s side, scoring the equaliser.
When Juventus pressed they opened the centre forward to the sides. The attacking midfielder stayed central, with the left midfielder working as a second attacker. Behind them sat a line of three, with the right midfielder acting as a centre-midfielder. The defence remained close to the halfway line.
Atlético narrowed their lines to escape through short associative plays. At times the left back and left midfielder switched roles, with the left back moving centrally.
Atlético also pressed at moments with the attacking midfielder and centre forward in the middle. The side midfielders acted as wingers. Both centre-midfielders pushed up to form a line of four with them. The defensive line sat high inside the second half.
Juventus tried to build out by widening centre-backs and full-backs, offering passing options. Godø worked as a bridge with Schatzer dropping near the centre-backs. With both wingers spiked, the attacking midfielder joined the centre forward in a second attacker role.
Early in the second period, in the 46th minute, Luany crossed into the middle. The ball was arriving to the attacker, but the Juventus defender stepped in front to block. It went out and stopped a strong Atlético chance.
In the 55th minute Juventus stole possession and launched a counter-attack. The ball went to Beccari. She dribbled forward and released to Carbonell, who crossed to the far post. Bonansea met it with a powerful header to score the comeback goal. Juventus now led 2–1.
In the 60th minute Atlético played a sharp pass from defence into attack. The ball went wide, and Luany crossed with a firm one-touch delivery. Otermin met it and shot, but Magnin saved well to deny the equaliser.
In the 64th minute Juventus countered again. Carbonell received in the centre of the area and shot. The effort was weak and Gallardo saved, spilling the ball, but the defender cleared before the attacker could reach it.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the 84th minute Atlético tried to play out through the back. While circulating the ball, Sarriegi lost focus and allowed Juventus to steal possession inside the area. Kullberg shot, but the effort lacked direction and went wide.
In the 89th minute Atlético crossed from the left. The attacker flicked the ball, but Magnin jumped and saved.
In the 92nd minute, after a poor Juventus long ball, Gallardo rushed out of the area but misplaced her pass. Girelli intercepted and attempted a long-range finish. The effort lacked power and height and did not threaten the goal.
In the 93rd minute Atlético created a move starting on the right through Luany. The ball was played to Bartel, who shot, but the ball cleared the crossbar.
The first period was marked by Atlético’s possession with little counter-attacking from Juventus despite it being their main plan. The second period shifted completely. After the comeback goal, Juventus controlled the match with quick transitions and punished Atlético’s defensive mistakes. Looking mainly at the second period, Juventus deserved the win.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Israel Schmidt de Azevedo
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