Match Report 081022 at Atletico Madrid: Two point loss but one step closer

1-1 and although we blew the chance to be 3 points clear at the top, we are indeed a step closer to qualification. However we have Keane, Alonso and Gerrard slightly injured and we need them to recover as soon as possible to cope with the coming games.

We started the game well and scored one quickly despite Keane seemed to be offside. We then have several chances and a decent penalty claim but were unable to extend the lead. At the second half they moved up a gear and we were unable to coupe with. At the end a draw is a fair result.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Made a few saves but have no chance on the goal conceded.
Arbeloa/Agger/Dossena: 6.5 Defense as a group could not cope with the Ateletico attack in 2H.
Carragher: 6.5 A rare mistake lead to a goal conceded.
Alonso: 7 Dictate the game well until he was forced off.
Mascherano: 6.5 A bit quiet.
Benayoun: 7 Had a legitimate goal ruled out.
Gerrard: 7.5 A pin-point pass to create the goal.
Riera: 6.5 A bit quiet.
Keane: 7.5 Scored a nice goal.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6.5 Hard working as usual
Babel: 6.5 Missed a great chance to kill off the game.
Lucas: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: Would be gutted not to win this game at his home town. However, he now have more works to do to sort out defense errors and the injures.

Atletico Madrid: 6.5 Slow in 1H but gear up in 2H. It is very likely that both team will qualify for last 16.

Men of the Match: Gerrard and Keane. Nice assist and nice goal taken.