Atletico Madrid have been slammed for their defensive approach to Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Man City. Despite having a goal deficit to overturn, Diego Simeone's men failed to show enough intent, with their semi-final hopes hanging in a balance. The La Liga club came under massive scrutiny for playing "anti-football" when they came to the Etihad Stadium for last week's Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter.
In the night's match-up, they landed an unwanted milestone by failing to hit a single shot in the game, as against City's 15 of which one of the two shots on target ended up at the back of the net. In the same encounter, hosts enjoyed a 71 percent possession and took nine shots inside the box but the Spaniards finished with a 29 percent possession and failed to manage a single shot in the blues' penalty box.
In the first 45 minutes of Wednesday's encounter in Spain, the narrative was very much the same. City dominated proceedings, finishing the half with a 7 percent possession and eight shots. On the contrary, Atletico got a 30 percent possession and attempted just a single shot. Below is how some fans reacted to their performance in the night's clash:
What is shameful is that atletico did the same at ethihad and did the same for the first half... But as soon as the role changes, it is shameful?
— Rajni Brown (@rajni_brown) April 13, 2022
If Atletico played the first half like they played the second half, they would have kicked City out, lol
— Enzo (@Lawrnzo) April 13, 2022
Great match. Atletico deserved to win based on the last 15 minutes. Shame the first half was bland. But Man City did not live up to expectation!
— Dontimothy69 (@dontimothy69) April 13, 2022
Atletico have completed more passes than Citey in the 2nd half. Also created more chances and had more shots on and off target.
— First of his name (@hendrix_marvel) April 13, 2022
Which begs the question - why didn't they show more initiative in the first leg and first half tonight???
Bus parking just irritates me.
Why didn't Atletico play like this in the first leg? This whole second half has been all them
— Kev (@rmcfkev) April 13, 2022
Look at this haram masterclass from Atletico. Pretended not to know how to play football except defense in the first leg and first half of the second leg and wore City out. Now they're trying to win
— Bane (@Sujodamystique) April 13, 2022
A much better performance from Atletico Madrid compared to the first half display
— Sarafina Napoleon (@FinaNapoleon) April 13, 2022
City struggling to cope at the back #CheersToAllFans #ATٍMMCI #ChampionsLeague
Atletico aren't letting City get out and I can't help but think if they played this way in the first leg and first half they'd be in a much better position
— Jamie (@Jay_Evans1997) April 13, 2022
I was watching Atlético Madrid v. Man City. First half: they need to win but they are defending and hoping for a Man City "gift". I switched over to the Liverpool game. https://t.co/Io26Pcbnoo
— Brasil70 (@brasilcopa70) April 13, 2022
