Takeaways: Atlético lose late lead and Trofeo Carranza to Cádiz

Rodrigo De Paul’s first minutes

Atlético Madrid’s new star signing got his first minutes in the red and white stripes on Wednesday night at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla. The Argentine started the match alongside Geoffrey Kondogbia and Thomas Lemar in the midfield. Although he only played one half, it was clear to see that his distribution and ball progression were solid. At 27, the former Udinese player will be heavily relied on this season to help stimulate Atlético’s attack and create opportunities for Diego Simeone’s side to score.

Jan Oblak and Yannick Carrasco shine

Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images

Between the sticks, Oblak helped keep Atlético in the lead as long as he could. There were multiple moments in the match where Cádiz knocked on the door, but the night’s captain halted their advances with a punch, catch, or diving save (including one right-handed stop made on his backside). The goal that he did concede came via a low, seeing-eye shot from from former Atleti B winger Alberto Perea in the 86th minute.

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Carassco picked up Atlético’s only goal in the 41st minute. The Belgian received the ball, faked a shot to open up space, and then slotted the ball into the back of the net to take the lead after he had danced around two defenders.

Taking a look at the penalties

After the match ended in a draw, the players went to the spot to decide the winner. Cádiz converted on all four spot kicks. Oblak was sent the wrong way on three of them, but only narrowly missed the one on which he guessed correctly. The keeper just couldn’t get a hand on Isaac Carcelén’s effort, which was tucked into the lefthand corner.

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Atlético’s kickers included Saúl, Kondogbia, Santiago Arias, and Giuliano Simeone. The two makes came from Kondogbia and Arias, who both sliced the ball into the bottom right corner. Saúl’s attempt was sent right at keeper David Gil (another former Atlético reserve) and Giuliano Simeone hit his wide left to end the match.