(Football news) Atletico Madrid defeated Elche 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone continued to switch his formation and system. In the Copa del Rey clash a few days ago he lined up in a 4-4-2 but this time around he set up a 3-5-2. Antoine Griezmann played a free role in midfield as Koke and Thomas Lemar both started on the bench. Atletico Madrid CEO recently said that Joao Felix wants to leave as he doesn’t have a good relationship with Simeone but despite that Felix started up front with Alvaro Morata. Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco started as wing backs while Jan Oblak returned in goal after his injury troubles.

Both teams were pretty solid in defense in the first half and there were no real chances. Things changed on the stroke of half time as Elche captain Gonzalo Verdu was sent off for pulling down Alvaro Morata who was through on goal. The visitors were down to 10 men which was a big advantage for Atleti. However the advantage was taken away as Mario Hermosa got booked twice in 3 minutes which resulted in both teams going down to 10 men in the 53rd minute. 2 minutes later Griezmann assisted Felix who broke the deadlock. The Portuguese forward had to go off in the 66th minute with an injury which didn’t look too serious.

Morata scored a solo goal which was aided by a massive deflection in the 73rd minute to double Atletico’s lead. Substitute Quina was sent off in the final minutes as the match ended 2-0. Atletico Madrid are 3rd on the La Liga table but 4th place Real Sociedad could overtake them with a win against Osasuna. Unlike rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid don’t have to play European football or the Spanish Super Cup which gives them a better chance of racking up points in the league. Their next match is against Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey after which they will host current table toppers FC Barcelona in the league.

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