Diego Simeone urged the Atletico Madrid fans to create a hostile atmosphere before a decisive PSV Eindhoven penalty in the sides’ Champions League shoot-out, which Luciano Narsingh then missed.
PSV and Atletico played out two 0-0 draws in their Champions League Round of 16 tie, with both defences proving resolute throughout 210 minutes of football.
With the scores tied at 7-7 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Narsingh stepped up for a vital spot kick, and struck the crossbar with his effort.
In the lead-up to the No.11’s already pressurised moment, Atletico boss Simeone whipped the home crowd into a frenzy, presumably in order to further jangle the nerves of the PSV star.
The plan worked, as Narsingh became the only player to fail with his effort after Tuesday night’s clash at the Vicente Calderon.
Atletico full-back Juanfran netted the following penalty, with his sudden- death strike eliminating the Dutch champions from the competition.
Los Rojiblancos fired 34 crosses into the 18-yard box and 20 shots on goal during the match, whilst also dominating in the air by winning 56% of the headed duels.
The strength of Simeone’s men at the opposite end of the field was in-keeping with their incredible defensive form of 2015/16, which on the domestic front has seen them concede fewer league goals (12) than any other team in Europe’s top five divisions.
COMMENTS