The defensive weaknesses of Atlético Madrid, particularly highlighted by the performances of Molina and Ruggeri, have raised concerns over the team's ability to maintain their competitive edge this season.
Atlético Madrid's notable defensive fragility, specifically on the flanks, has become apparent after their recent matches, particularly against Club Brugge. Despite leading 2-0 at halftime and later 2-3 with ten minutes to go, the team's inability to secure a result has drawn attention to the weaknesses of right-back Nahuel Molina and left-back Ruggeri. The vulnerability of these positions has been a focal point for opposing teams, allowing them to exploit the defense with heedless attacks throughout the match.
During a post-match press conference, Brujas' coach Ivan Leko revealed their strategy focused on targeting Atlético's flanks, specifically training his wingers Diakhon and Tzolis to exploit the weaknesses of Molina and Ruggeri. This approach undoubtedly paid off, as the players capitalized on the defensive lapses to rally back during the match, emphasizing the need for Atlético to shore up their defense to avoid repeating such costly errors in future games.
The implications for Atlético Madrid's season are significant if these defensive gaps are not addressed promptly. With intense competition in La Liga and European matches ahead, the reliance on a shaky defense could hinder their chances for success, forcing coach Diego Pablo Simeone to urgently find solutions to stabilize the back line and enhance overall team performance going forward.
