There is no 'Right Way' to play Football

Despite being the pre-tournament favourites to be the first side to retain the Champions League, the attacking threat of Messi, Suarez and Neymar was nullified and two Antoine Griezmann goals were enough to send Atlético Madrid through. The main talking points about the match were undoubtedly the two hand ball incidents involving Andrés Iniesta and Gabi, which referee Nicola Rizzoli adjudged the latter to have been outside the box.

The 'proper way' to play football was a phrase coined around the time when Chelsea won the Champions League, by keeping a very rigid, defensive shape and hitting teams on the counter attack. Like Jose Mourinho and Roberto di Matteo who masterminded the victory, Atlético  play to their strengths and under the stewardship of Diego Simeone, they have done that brilliantly. Los Colchoneros don't play attractive football and haven't done since the Argentine took over, but what they do display is a great team work ethic and a siege mentality against sides that are perceived as superior in quality that is so refreshing to see. I love watching Simeone on the side lines as he displays the same passion as just an ordinary supporter on the touchline, he knows what that club is about.

Simeone had not defeated Barcelona in seven attempts since their victory last night, yet it is not surprising that he has masterminded an upset on the biggest of stages. Upon the final whistle, I noted, as did the pundits on BT Sport, that he marched straight down the tunnel, not partaking in any of the celebrations that the players were having with the Vicente Calderón faithful. He knows the hard work is only beginning if we wants to instill himself in Atléti history by going one step further than in 2013.

Antoine Griezmann got both of the goals last night, and with the recent news emerging that France will not be considering Karim Benzema for the Euros squad, there is a big chance that the former Real Sociedad winger could be finding himself leading the line. The first goal that 25 year old scored last night came out after a great run into the box matched by a cross with pin-point precision from Saul and was glanced into the back of the net, leaving Marc-Andre Ter Stegen no chance in nets. Barcelona were given a warning earlier in the game with Griezmann, remaining unmarked, heading a tame effort into the the safe clutches of Ter Stegen.

The second goal arrived courtesy of an Andrés Iniesta hand ball. Apart from the moment of shock with Iniesta committing a cynical and professional foul I thought Rizzoli should have brandished a red card to the Barcelona captain. The argument was made that Mascherano was able to get back on the line, therefore not making it a goal scoring chance, however I doubt that the Argentine would have been able to prevent a shot if Iniesta had missed the ball and Griezmann got a clear, first time shot off. Up steps the Basque player with a nervous look on his baby face to strike past the German keeper. It was a nervous penalty with Ter Stegen getting a paw to the ball, and some claiming that the keeper should have done better.

Atlético Madrid would run through brick walls for each other as well as their manager. This was evidenced once the second goal went in when the home side played very conservatively not giving Barcelona a sniff. Simeone was at his raving best with arms flailing everywhere in an attempt to gee-up the crowd to roar their heroes home. Godin followed suit, and led from the front with terrific defending as well as the odd cynical moment where he tried to wind his opponents up. The one moment that typified this side for me was when the captain made a surging run forward with the ball, only to lose out to Sergi Roberto and haul him to the ground to stop Barcelona from building an attack. Cynical yes, but it was effective as it allowed Atléti to regain their shape.

Simeone and his Atlético side have proved once again that there is no right way to play football like they did in the quarter final stage of 2013. No team will take this side lightly and they will fancy themselves against any of the other teams in this tournament.