Lazio paid the price for poor finishing and even worse defending as they fell 3-1 to Atletico Madrid in the Amsterdam Tournament.
The Biancocelesti had the better of the first half, but did not turn enough of their possession into chances.
Tommaso Rocchi’s header went over and Stefano Mauri was very unlucky not to take the lead, as his glancing touch on a Cristian Ledesma set-piece was palmed on to the bar by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Atletico took the lead just before half-time when a Jose Antonio Reyes free kick was curled to the back post for a Braulio volley, although Mobido Diakhite’ completely missed the ball and should have intercepted.
Goran Pandev came on to give the attack more vigour, moving Mauri to his more habitual Trequartista position.
Third choice ‘keeper Tommaso Berni flew to fingertip a Reyes curler round the post, although he had been flagged offside anyway.
Substitute Pandev unleashed a left-foot rocket from the edge of the box that the Atletico ‘keeper pushed round the near post. From the resulting corner the ball came off the post and Diakhite’ turned it over the bar from six yards.
The Madrid shot-stopper had an embarrassing moment on Ledesma’s free kick, but made up for it with his reaction to the loose ball.
Once again, Lazio had the possession, Madrid got the goals, as former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia thumped a left-foot screamer into the far top corner.
Just 98 seconds later the Biancocelesti finally managed to hit the back of the net, as Pandev’s through ball sent Mauri clear to slot past the ‘keeper.
That lasted only a couple of minutes too, as more poor defending at the back post allowed Reyes to volley home Atletico’s third unmarked.
Lazio lose 3-1 and end the Amsterdam Tournament with just two points, having also lost their first match 2-1 to Arsenal.
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Lazio
Scorers: Braulio 39 (A), Luis Garcia 66 (A), Mauri 67 (L), Reyes 69 (A)
Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco; Julian Vara, Ze Castro, Fabiano, Pernia; Simao (Luis Garcia 46) (Costinha 80), Maniche, Luccin (Raul Garcia 62), Reyes (A Lopez 73); Maxi Rodriguez (Mista 63), Braulio
Lazio: Berni; De Silvestri (Zauri 60), Diakité, Cribari (Stendardo 75), Kolarov; Mudingayi (Firmani 56), Ledesma, Manfredini (Pandev 46); Mauri, Del Nero (Mutarelli 62); Rocchi
Ref: Bossen (Hol)
Originally Posted by Ricardo
La Liga 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 1
