Frustrating loss to Celta, in Vigo, on Sunday, 2-0, putting the distance between Atletico and Real Madrid back at 7 points. The loss was even more disappointing after Atleti's impressive 4-0 victory against our bitter rivals just a week ago.
A couple commentators have taken to use the line: no Arda, no party. With Arda sidelined as a result of receiving his fifth yellow card, and with Koke out with an injury for up to a month, Simeone had to try a new line-up. As Cholo admitted after the match, he made a mistake. The original idea was to play with Torres, Mandzukic, and Griezmann, but everyone's excitement about this very offensive threesome quickly faded when we all remembered that (1) you need midfielders to hold the ball and work it up the pitch and (2) Torres just isn't that good anymore. Cani, on loan from Villarreal, came in for Torres at the break, and Atletico played a much better second half.
Celta deserved to win -- I thought they played a great match. Nonetheless, luck played an interesting role. First, the ref missed a handball on the play that led to Celta's first goal (which was scored via penalty). If the handball is called, no play and no penalty. Second, Atletico hit the post and the ball almost crossed the line. Third, while down 2-0, the ref missed a penalty in Atletico's favor. Oh well.
All in all, a bad loss, not just because Real Madrid is now seven points ahead, but because Valencia is only three points behind.