Atlético's league titles are decided at grounds like Levante's

Alberto Carballo argues that, historically, Atlético have let league titles slip in games like the one at Levante rather than against the big sides. That is why he places such value on a win that, in his view, could have been more comfortable.

Asked by Rubén Uría, Alberto Carballo opens with an argument he says he would have made whatever the result: historically, Atleti have lost league titles at grounds like this one. When those games have gone well, the league campaign has gone well; and it is there, far more than in head-to-heads with the big rivals, that so many titles have got away.

Carballo agrees that the team were the better side for most of the match, although he was surprised they did not snuff out Levante's bright start sooner. For him, the moment everything clicked was Hjulmand's disallowed goal: from then on, Atleti were in control. He understands that the substitutions were aimed at saving energy, but believes they could even have added another goal or two.

He highlights a "razor-sharp" Baena, involved in both attack and defence, and the value of a defender scoring from open play once again. This is a team that, through collective effort, tries to take on and neutralise the threat of their opponents. It is one of those games that used to be a stumbling block and that now lets fans start the weekend with a smile and the job done, looking ahead to the kind of week they dreamed of as children.