Diego Simeone revealed the tactical plan behind Atletico Madrid's 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester United, explaining how his side exposed the visitors' high press.
United arrived at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday needing a morale-boosting performance after four matches without a win, but Michael Carrick's side were undone inside the opening minute. A through ball over the top released Alex Baena, whose cross was turned in by Pablo Barios.
Atletico thought they had doubled their lead late in the first half through Johnny Cardoso, but the goal was disallowed for handball in the build-up.
Red card and decisive second goal
Leny Yoro was sent off for hauling down Jonathan David midway through the second half, and the hosts capitalised five minutes later when Ademola Lookman scored on the rebound to make it 2-0.
The defeat intensifies pressure on Carrick ahead of Saturday's trip to Leeds, with Lisandro Martinez's post-match criticism of the club's hierarchy adding to the sense of crisis at Old Trafford.
Atletico have now won five straight matches in all competitions since their opening Champions League loss at Liverpool last month.
Simeone's tactical insight
Speaking after the final whistle, Simeone detailed how his side hurt United out wide by beating their first press.
“We were fortunate to start the game on the front foot, with the first goal. It was a nice move,” the Atletico head coach told reporters.
“We knew they would press high, they do that well, but we knew that if we beat that first press we could get into important positions. We knew we could hurt them on the wings.
“We had chances to go further ahead on the scoreboard. They had one dangerous chance in the first half, but we had a better game, we had more chances. The team was always looking for more.”
Alvarez jeers and Cardoso praise
There were jeers for Julian Alvarez when the striker was substituted in the 71st minute, following a summer transfer saga involving Barcelona. Simeone responded: “What the fans do is related to what the players give. They want to see the best of the players, and Julian is giving that. He had the chance to score today. He's getting closer to the player we want to see. We need him.”
Simeone also praised Cardoso, who has impressed since returning from ankle surgery. “He's in a very good moment,” Simeone said. “In our match against Real Sociedad, he came on, and he began to play at a high level. We need that player, that's the player the club went to sign.”
Despite the defeat, United remain above Atletico on goal difference in the overall Champions League standings after their 4-0 win over Sabah in the opening round. The Red Devils next face Como in Italy, while Atletico travel to Stuttgart.
