La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been knocked out of the European competition after suffering an agonizing loss against Portuguese club, Porto.
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi and Canadian midfielder Stephen Estaquio scored the goals for the home side. Porto captain Ivan Marcano, unfortunately, netted one own goal.
Atletico Madrid were coming to the match with a 2-1 defeat against Cadiz. They were already knocked out from the UEFA Champions League and still required a positive result against Porto to qualify for the Europa League.
Diego Simeone’s side started the match with a 3-4-3 setup. Jan Oblack started under the goal. Stefan Savic, Jose Maria Gimenez and Reinaldo completed the back three. Nahuel Molina and Saul Niguez started as the wingbacks while Axel Witsel and Rodrigo de paul played at the base of the midfield. Joao Felix, Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa were the forwards.
Two Goals in First Half for Porto
The home side, Porto had a great start to the match. They took the lead in the fifth minute through their Iranian striker Mahdi Taremi. pep found Evanilson in the box. The Brazilian then sent an earlier cross which was tapped in by Taremi.
The Portuguese club then had a golden chance to double their lead. Taremi’s effort however was well saved by Atletico captain Jan Oblack. The home side kept on their immense pressure on Atletico and soon got the second goal.
After a great build-up, Porto winger Galeno made his way to the penalty box. The Brazilian then sent a cut back into the dangerous area where Estquio arrived with a late run and fired past Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, Oblack to double their lead.
After conceding two goals in quick time, Atletico were taken aback. The Spanish side failed to create anything in the first half and went back into the dressing room while trailing 2-0. The second half started in the same manner and Porto showed some fine attacking display.
However, in the 68th minute of the match, Atletico forward Griezmann found the back of the net against the run of the play. The goal was later cancelled out due to a foul in the build-up. From this point, it was an even battle as Atletico Madrid finally started to create some chances.
Atletico Madrid reduced the deficit in the injury time of the match. Porto captain Marcano deflected Carrasco’s inswinging corner. The deflection deceived Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and found the back of the net. Porto then managed to hold on for the last couple of minutes and finished the match with a 2-1 win.
Atletico Madrid is Out of Europe
With this loss, Atletico Madrid have been knocked out of the European competition. They finished in the fourth position with five points from six matches.
Meanwhile, Porto qualified for the round of 16 as the winner of group B. They gathered twelve points from six matches with four victories and remained undefeated in the competition.
