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Not too much to report this morning Atléticos, but there are a couple minor talking points from yesterday’s Copa del Rey match with Elche and a quick tidbit about Diego Costa. You can check out a full write up of the match here.
Over the course of this young season, there have already been a number of big appearance milestones set by club veterans—even eclipsing 300 caps in some cases. The young, experimental lineup put out by Diego Simeone in yesterday’s match saw youngsters Sergi González and Toni Moya reach an important milestone of their own: their very first appearance for the club. Left back Sergi started the match, while midfielder Moya came on as a substitute in the 59th minute.
While the 1-1 draw in that match was not the most desirable result, Atlético Madrid should be able to take care of business on the return leg, and in exchange some promising young talent gained some meaningful minutes with the first team.
- Saúl honored before match
Elche-born midfielder Saúl was honored before the match in a ceremony that featured his father, a former Elche player. Though he was not suiting up for the home team, it was nice to see the smaller club recognizing a local boy done good. The 22-year-old did not start the match but came on as a substitute in the second half.
- Was Costa to Everton closer than we knew?
Our neighbors at Royal Blue Mersey have an interesting piece on Everton summer signing Nikola Vlasic. Apparently the Croatian international was denied his desired number 19, because the Liverpool club were holding it for Diego Costa. Though all accounts suggested that Costa only had eyes for Atlético, Everton clearly felt they had a shot at bringing the mercurial striker into their club.