Atlético, without a goal and without scorers

"I want a goal," proclaimed Diego Pablo Simeone in the Benito Villamarín press room as if he was still tormented by the failed chances of Saúl, Carrasco and the last two of Correa in the final moments that could break the tie to a definitive one.

With a point advantage over Real Madrid and two over Barcelona, ​​the goal has acquired the value of a healing remedy for the rojiblanco coach.

“The goal is what ends up generating mental strength and giving you legs.

I have not seen a team that is winning and is diluted, it generates energy and enthusiasm for you ”, Simeone added with a shamanic firmness.

In training last week, Simeone insisted a lot on improving the shot, both in play and from set pieces.

The offensive statistics are relevant with respect to the team that added 50 points in the first 19 games of the championship.

In that stretch, Atlético averaged 2.11 goals per game with a 18% accuracy in the shot.

In the next 11 games, the efficiency has been reduced by half, 1.09 goals per game and 9% accuracy in shots.

With less goal in the second half of the championship, only three in the last five games, Atlético has added 16 points out of 33 possible.

This bleeding has allowed Real Madrid and Barcelona to get fully into the fight for the championship.

Added to the lack of a goal is the absence of their top scorer, Luis Suárez (19), to whom a muscular problem will keep him out until the end of April.

On Sunday, against Eibar, Marcos Llorente returns (9 goals), but it is still unknown if Simeone will be able to count on João Félix.

The Portuguese had to be changed against Betis at the beginning of the second half after a strong blow to the right ankle.

Since at the end of last season an edema caused him serious problems, the joint has suffered severe stress between bumps and sprains.

"Surely the injury he has is not easy, he has been dragging a pain that does not allow him to play free.

We hope that he will make an effort to help us against Eibar ”, admitted El Cholo.

Each blow in the damaged area causes fear in the club's medical services.

The risk of a chronification is increasing without the necessary rest.

That is why Simeone alluded to an effort by the Portuguese to play the next match.

"We need him," added Cholo.

With the departure of João Félix from the field, Atlético transmitted for many minutes a feeling of offensive soullessness.

At times, until Vitolo entered, Saúl was the one who accompanied Correa in attack.

Only in the final arreón, with those two occasions missed by the Argentine forward, the leader offered the ability to generate danger.

“It annoys me that Correa cannot score the goal with what he participates in the team's attacks, generating danger.

It is in a stage where it can not put it.

If he continues like this, the goal will come, because life and football is work and one day it pays, hopefully he has what he deserves, which is the goal, "lamented Simeone.

The gesture of consolation with Correa, whom he hugged at the end of the match, is aimed at recovering the only healthy forward he has right now.

The payroll is also reduced by the absence of Dembélé, the winter signing who came as a substitute for Diego Costa.

The French forward continues to train, but under observation since he fainted in training.

The checks to try to detect the causes of his fading are being exhaustive.

The club's medical services have examined all medical reports since he was a professional and this week specialists are expected to arrive from the United States for a final in-depth review before determining if he can reappear against Eibar.

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