The first time that Atlético de Madrid approached Galinović’s goal they got the scoreboard moving. Heitinga sent in a cross to the far post, Forlán got a touch on it and Vintra ended up sending it into his own goal. The qualifying tie was all but over, barring a catastrophe. Panathinaikos, with plenty of enthusiasm, tried to impose a high-paced rhythm to the match in order to turn around such a devastating outlook. With Leto very active from the get-go, the Greek side didn’t lose any time and didn’t stop trying to get the ball close to Asenjo’s area. Even though they had no other option but to carry out a plan of those characteristics, Ten Cate’s team was almost forced to throw in the towel in minute 8, but Kun Agüero, after a great back-heel to get free, decided to look for Simão instead of shooting.The first half wasn’t brilliant, although it was very active due to the push from Panathinaikos. Atlético de Madrid needed to control the ball better and for more time, though it’s also true that they didn’t suffer too much in defence. A distant left-footed strike from Leto, which almost surprised Asenjo, and a shot from Cissé caused a bit of uncertainty in the ‘roijblanco’ side, although not excessively.The battle in the midfield was constant, with Raúl García appearing everywhere and an always attentive Paulo Assunção. Atlético’s play was a bit rushed, perhaps influenced by the style displayed by their opponent. At times the ‘rojiblanco’ pieces seemed to fit together better on the pitch, but not with the necessary constancy for good passes to arrive at the feet of Kun and Forlán.Panathinaikos, which seemed to threaten at the beginning, began to slowly lose gas, while at the same time the minutes were ticking down. Even so, the Greek squad could have gotten back into the encounter on the final play of the first half, but a Vintra, all alone, headed the ball over Asenjo’s goal when everyone watching expected something else to happen.In the second half the play of Panathinaikos, knowing that their options had completely gone up in smoke, began to dissolve little-by-little until it was left in nothing. On the other hand, without playing too brilliantly, Atlético de Madrid now controlled the match better, with a greater percentage of ball possession.Abel Resino’s squad began to attack Galinović’s goal more frequently and with more clarity. The control in the midfield was now complete for the home side, while Ten Cate’s men were already throwing up the white flag. From time-to-time they tried long balls, but Juanito and Ujfalusi were always there to cut down any potential danger.Raúl García and Antonio López tried their luck from outside the area, but both times their shots went just wide of the post. Atlético got down to the touchline with greater ease, while Panathinaikos decided start delivering kicks to the ankles in order to cover up their impotence. A solid handful of hard tackles earned several of Ten Cate’s lads the corresponding bookings. This started with one from Cissé, who ended up seeing red and heading directly for the dressing room.Atlético de Madrid, aware that they already had their objective in their pockets, decided not to expend excessive efforts as they thought about the kick-off to league play. They continued to look for the goal, but less intensely as the minutes passed. Forlán had a header after a great cross from Antonio Lópz, but the ball followed the same path as the team’s previous shots. Abel Resino’s team, fortunately, had already done their task and didn’t lament any of their missed chances.But Kun Agüero wanted to make sure that the fans went home with even bigger smiles on their faces and dribbled by a couple of defenders and slipped in the second goal with a shot from inside the area. It was a total ‘fiesta’ at the Vicente Calderón, which Asenjo joined shortly thereafter with a brilliant save off a shot from Hristodoulopoulos. Atlético will continue their run in Champions League to the joy of the Atlético supporters.
Atlético de Madrid: Asenjo; Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Juanito, Antonio López; Paulo Assunção, Raúl García (Cléber Santana, 60’), Simão (Reyes, 85’), Maxi; Forlán (Jurado, 81’) and Kun Agüero.
Ref: Pieter Vink (Holland).
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