Atletico Madrid enjoyed a 1-0 win over Getafe at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to kick off their La Liga campaign on Sunday evening.
Diego Simeone’s side took the lead after 23 minutes after Kieran Trippier - who impressed in his first competitive outing since leaving Tottenham - provided an inch-perfect cross for Alvaro Morata to head in.
Joao Felix earned the Chelsea loanee an opportunity to double the Atleti’s advantage ten minutes into the second half at the end of a mazing run from deep inside his own half.
But Morata failed to convert as Getafe goalkeeper David Soria dove the correct way and tipped the powerful drive beyond his right-hand post.
Both sides ended the match a man down, too.
Four minutes after the visitors’ captain Jorge Molina Vidal was dismissed for stamping on Thomas Partey’s heel, another Atleti debutant Renan Lodi collected two yellows in quick succession just before the interval.
All in all, Atletico will be somewhat relieved to come away with three points.
“The first league game is not easy. It’s complex,” Simeone said, per Goal.
Speaking specifically about the performance of Felix, the 49-year-old is hoping for more of the same from the €126 million signing.
“We faced a team who tactically moves well defensively. They have not left him space in the first half so that he can take advantage of his game,” he added.
“But, as an individual, he showed his power and hopefully these situations appear more often. He has to keep improving.”
Felix wasn’t the only one who could’ve enjoyed a better opening 45 minutes, though.
Trippier hardly put a foot wrong at right-back and will be thrilled to have marked his Atletico bow with a trademark assist for Morata.
Those roles were reversed as the pair made their way towards the tunnel at halftime, though.
Morata and Trippier approached each other as they exited the pitch, but to prevent the England international from walking on the Atletico badge painted into the turf, the striker yanked him in another direction.
While some players are more superstitious than others, well done to Morata for upholding such high standards.
Trippier was probably oblivious to what he was about to do, but it’s probably best to avoid standing on the club crest in front of his new fans a month after joining.
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