On Saturday, Atletico Madrid lost 1-0 to Las Palmas, looking like a pale of their former self: clumsy, slow, and lacking any true spark. Atlético's performance was lackluster and haphazard, particularly in the second half when they failed to register a single shot on goal, with the exception of an incredible save to deny Julián Álvarez from point-blank range. Late in the game, what appeared to be a gloomy draw broke down: a hopeful long ball, mayhem in the box, and Javier Muñoz's leap, which saw him slide the ball past Jan Oblak in the final seconds. A harsh, if not wholly unmerited, conclusion.

Álvarez, who often commands the pitch with a protagonist's presence, gradually sank into oblivion. Atlético's attacking style increasingly focused on aerial service for the Norwegian up top, which separated some players but was sometimes successful. Yes, Sørloth's barrage of headers worried Las Palmas, but they also prevented Álvarez from asserting himself because he was deprived of the ball at his feet.

However, there were more questions than answers raised by the substitutions. Griezmann replaced Álvarez in the 64th, which was perhaps a wise decision. However, Sørloth, who does best in tumultuous, desperate situations, was also withdrawn ten minutes later. As Atlético appeared ready to abandon prudence, Ángel Correa took his position, replacing the player best suited for "plan B" football. Perplexing.

If you followed along, Simeone's front line was a whirlpool of pairings, beginning with his go-to combination of Griezmann and Álvarez, then switching to Álvarez and Sørloth, then back to Griezmann and Sørloth, and finally ending with Griezmann and Correa. Repeat, chop, alter, and shuffle. A continuous spin devoid of spark, rhythm, and, ultimately, cohesiveness in the last third. It's no surprise that the onslaught faltered.

It's a comfortable scapegoat and an easy way out when things don't work out. Particularly with regard to Atlético, whose character has always been based on perseverance and tenacity, reflecting the ferocity of their manager, the constantly agitated Diego Simeone.

You begin to worry, though, after a cruel run in which Atleti lost badly in the Champions League, bid farewell to the Copa del Rey, and all but bowed out of the title chase. I proposed that it would take something special, perhaps even miraculous, from Simeone to rekindle this group after such a taxing sequence. to restore their will to fight, claw, and believe.

And perhaps—just possibly—that is asking too much, even of Cholo. How can you muster the will to pursue third place as if it were your last? When survival is the only prize left in the rankings, where is the fire?

In an apparent attempt to unite the team, ignite a spark, and launch a last, improbable charge, the coaching staff reportedly threw a team barbecue this past week. The aim? Come out on top. And hope that Madrid and Barcelona both falter. Extensive aspirations, commendable in theory, but in reality? The gesture has already become as stale as milk.

Considering that the side we are now viewing appears to be worn thin. This Atlético looks exhausted, not defiant. Simeone stated after the game that attitude wasn't the issue. Only a poor performance. However, for a lot of supporters who are following, it's getting harder to distinguish between bad form and waning motivation.

Stick with https://k8airdrop.com/ for more Sports, esport, games, news, guides, and more!

Discover the thrill of cutting-edge online slot games! Visit  http://k8.io/ now for an unparalleled gaming experience with the latest and greatest slot games.