Every so often, a 38-game season takes a seriously sharp turn.
Atlético Madrid were staring down the barrel of another annoying result. With 89 minutes on the clock, having hit the target just once, a third red card in five games for Stefan Savić saw Celta smelling blood.
For Diego Simeone’s men to snatch their fourth 1-0 victory of the season instead, at a time while rivals are slipping and sliding, feels mightily significant. And for Memphis Depay, compared to Madrid legend Diego Costa during the week, to grab that smash-and-grab winner, is another satisfying step in the right direction in Cholo’s final stand.
Since the Dutchman’s arrival in Madrid, Depay has taken six shots, attempted three take-ons and created two chances in just 104 minutes of action in red and white, bringing his signature busyness for Los Colchoneros in and around the 18-yard-box. With 58% of his touches for his new club coming in the final third, the €3 million man certainly adds a presence at the top end of the pitch.
Now four points clear of Real Betis in fifth, things feel much more secure in the top four for Atleti, even in an ever-changing race for the Champions League. Just last weekend, Villarreal had the opportunity to move level with Cholo’s men when they travelled to hapless Elche. Now, with two defeats in a row after last night’s loss to Barcelona, the Yellow Submarine find themselves eight points behind.
Osasuna and Rayo could only draw this weekend, while Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis picked up a much-needed 3-2 win over Almería, after two consecutive home defeats. And, while Athletic Club impressed once again with a 2-1 victory at Valencia, the Basque side travel to the Wanda Metropolitano next weekend, with six points separating the sides.
It may not have been pretty, but it feels seismic.
Atlético Madrid look together again, and if they can make it six LaLiga games unbeaten next weekend, there’ll be plenty of positives to pull from the ruins of 2022.