Atletico Madrid Brings Lazio to the Round of 16
JAKARTA - In just a matter of hours, Lazio also qualified early after Atletico Madrid beat Feyenoord 3-1 in the Champions League Group E match at De Kuip Stadium, Rotterdam, Wednesday, November 29 early morning of Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Not only Lazio but also Atletico advanced to the round of 16.
Atletico became the fourth Spanish La Liga team to advance to the last 16. Sevilla, the Europa League champions who got a slot in the Champions League, are the only team from Spain who have been eliminated in the group stage.
Meanwhile, four representatives of La Liga, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Real Sociedad and Atletico confirmed qualification. In fact, all the teams are at the top of the standings, although there are some where positions could still shift.
Atletico ensured qualification after reclaiming the top position previously controlled by Lazio. The victory means Atletico has 11 points. One point ahead of the Biancoceleste who have dropped to second place.
Lazio itself cannot be sure of qualifying despite winning 2-0 over Celtic. However, it only took them a few hours to be certain they had passed. Yes, Atletico's victory over Feyenoord took Lazio to the knockout round.
Atletico's last match against Lazio was more about determining the group winner. The duel on December 14, 2023 will be held at Atletico's home ground. Meanwhile, Feyenoord, who is ranked third, has qualified for the Europa League.
In that match, Atletico received 'help' through two own goals so they were able to win easily. The Colchoneros' victory was opened by Lutsharel Geertruida's own goal in the 14th minute.
He actually wanted to throw away a speculative cross from Marcos Llorente.
However, the ball that fell at Geertruida's feet and was about to throw it rolled into his own goal. The 1-0 score for Atletico lasted until the end of the first half.
Entering the second half, Atletico played more aggressively. As a result, they added a goal through Mario Hermoso's volley in the 57th minute.
Hermoso's goal was similar to Dutch striker Marco van Basten's goal against the Soviet Union (now Russia) in the 1988 European Cup final. From a tight angle, Hermoso fired a shot, which penetrated the Feyenoord goal.
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Feyenoord finally reduced the deficit through Mats Wieffer in the 77th minute. Wieffer's header from a corner beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
But Atletico were unstoppable. Feyenoord's second own goal by Santiago Gimenez solidified Atletico's victory. The goal was scored in the 81st minute.
Responding to the great goal, Hermoso said he had expected to kick the ball towards the goal.
"I've seen the goal. I don't know my exact position. But at least I know where the goal is and where the ball is going," said Hermoso.