Atlético de Madrid took one point away from the Heliodoro Rodríguez in a game that became an uphill battle early on for Quique Sánchez Flores’ lads, who gave up a goal just three minutes in. A goal from Jurado and great saves from Asenjo keep the ‘rojiblanco’ squad alive as they say farewell to a forgettable year.The final week of the year pitted Tenerife against Atlético de Madrid in an encounter which would allow the winner some breathing room during the Christmas break. The threat of relegation spots has kept the visitors on tenterhooks until the final days of 2009. With both Sergio Agüero and José Antonio Reyes out, the side from Madrid was facing a direct rival in the table.In spite of the necessity and the desire to definitively take off by Quique Sánchez Flores’ men, things started very poorly for Atlético de Madrid, as they conceded a goal in the 3rd minute when Nino tapped in from inside the six-yard box after a set piece.After recovering from this early blow, Atlético tried over and over again from the ten minute mark, as they got attacks led by Maxi, Jurado and Forlán. The Uruguayan sent a distant shot just wide of the right post, and nobody was there to finish off the play. A great chance was thus wasted for the ‘rojiblanco’ squad, which stayed strong after the poor initial outlook.Their intentions took effect. In minute 22, the Tenerife defense lost a ball that ended up at Forlán’s feet, and the striker connected perfectly with Jurado, who opened the scoring for the ‘rojiblancos’. It was the fourth goal of the season for the midfielder, laying claim as a good substitution for the injured Agüero.Nino again gave warning at the half-hour mark, with a good play after a through ball from Mikel Alonso, but luckily the final shot went wide. Tenerife continued to insist, this time after an elaborate play which ended with former Sevilla player Alfaro’s off-target header.And then came a play which could have changed the game when Pérez Burrull deemed that Álvaro Domínguez had touched the ball with an arm inside the area. Nino took the ensuing spot kick, but Asenjo stretched out to save Atlético de Madrid.After the re-start, Atlético came out with the strength demanded by the ‘rojiblanco’ manager. A quick counter-attack several minutes in after Simão had stolen the ball could have been lethal, but Jurado lost the ball when the Portuguese winger was making a run all alone directly at the Tenerife goal.Shortly after that, Perea was fast to make a saving slide-tackle on a shot from point blank range after a nice play from the home side. The role of the Atleti netminder was also worth highlighting, as he was secure and made several brilliant saves which changed the course of the game. Another chance got away from Atlético with Forlán as the focus of attention, but the Tenerife defense shut him down in time. And then Sergio Asenjo was once again in fine form after a direct kick. Neither team was content to settle for the draw, as both created constant chances and the match became a back-and-forth battle.The ‘roijblanco’ squad almost came away with the three points in stoppage time when Sinama-Pongolle controlled a cross with his chest, and then sent in a low pass for Forlán that he was unable to get to by centimeters. But the danger then changed sides on a similar play, with another great stop from Asenjo off an overhead bicycle kick which saved a point for the visitors.
Atlético de Madrid: Asenjo; Ujfalusi, Juanito, Perea (Pablo, 86’), Domínguez; Assunçao, Cléber, Maxi Rodríguez (Raúl García, 71’), Simão; Jurado (Sinama-Pongolle, 80’) and Forlán.
Ref: Pérez Burrull.
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