Rojiblanco y Azul: João Lucas de Souza Cardoso (Johnny) at Club Atlético de Madrid

How much did a CL ticket in Madrid set you back?

 

Thanks for sharing this, and your comments concord with a couple of my own thoughts:

1) Viewing a match in person is preferable (and distinct) for many reasons, but an important one is that it allows you to see the full field during the action, and in particular, the players' movement and positioning (and the influence that has on the match).

2) I think Johnny may be a player who benefits from in-person observation, as his overall performance/influence can be substantially greater than the sum of his individual stats.

 

So, I live here. Have for going on 4 years. I’m a Socio so I get discounts on games. I chose not to get season tickets because Atleti plays at 9pm local so often, on Sundays too, that I wouldn’t bring my 9 year old to. So, I was getting tickets for this game, midway up to high for around 50-70 Euros. But my boss sold his season tickets for the this game to me for 100 each and we were midfield 8th row. My son said, as we were walking down to the seats “Dad, I feel so rich!” Haha

 

Nice favorable draw for Cardoso against Tottenham. Please stay healthy and in form.

 

I saw Athleti vs Chelsea in CL in Madrid in the era when Aguero played for Athletic and Drogba played for Chelsea. Great times!

 

Starts vs. Real Oviedo on ESPN Desportes/ESPN+

 

Got the third-lowest rating on his team on fotmob (6.7). Only the 2 forwards were lower (both 6.0). Atleti won 1-0.

 

A team victory cures all ills, or most of them. Perhaps starting three matches in a row was too much for Johnny.

 

ESPN+ 2:30pm (EST) Semi-final Copa del Rey match today vs. Barca

 

Johnny starts! playing with house money, Atletico visiting Barcelona in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, Atletico ahead 0-4 (but be careful, it's Barcelona).

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Big game for Johnny. Need to keep Barca off the board for as long as possible. He will be key in breaking up lanes and also keeping possession. Let’s go Johnny and Aupa Atleti!!

 

A 3-0 loss that feels like a victory (3-4 Atletico on aggregate). Johnny played the full match.

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match today 12:20pm on ESPN+

 

We need to squeeze in two more Champions League matches …

Sat Mar 7 - v Real Sociedad - La Liga

Tue Mar 10 v Tottenham {CL R16}

Sat Mar 14 - v Getafe - La Liga

We’d Mar 18 @ Tottenham {CL R16}

Sun Mar 22 - @ Real Madrid - La Liga

*** International Break ***

In just a couple of weeks, the risk has transformed from playing too little (rust) to playing too much (overuse).

 

he can sleep through both games against Spurs...they are just THAT bad

 

Johnny is on the bench today, which I hope means he’ll start on Tuesday.

 

He played the last 30 minutes or so and did quite well, including playing a big role in the game winning goal.

 

Johnny vs Sociedad

Came on in the 61' at 1-1. Played traditional holding mid, but the dude was box to box. Game was wide open and enjoyable and Johnny covered massive amounts of ground on both sides.

Admittedly, havent watched a ton of him but I came away very impressed. Impossible not to do some Adams comparisons, thats for another thread.. but hard not to look through this lens.

He worked extremely hard off the ball to be an option for the back line and moved up the field off the ball to be options moving forward. Dont recall him playing that style. I like.

Can we discuss his 1st possession, collects off his chest in his own half and looks to find a quick break, great awareness.. but it was the technique on the low, perfectly weighted 50 yard driven ball. So sexy.

Had 2 bad giveaways late in the game in his own half. Need to clean that up.

The Athleti go ahead goal was due in big part to Johnny chasing down a loose ball in the box, a beauty layoff, then chases down the deflected shot towards the corner flag to recycle it.. cross comes in and they win 3-2.

Sociedad goal wasnt on Johnny but to blame a bit. Comes out for soft press just inside the half..and it leaves 2 guys open behind him. After just scoring they immediately give it back.

Overall.. I'm impressed, he was good. Loved the activity level and willingness to push forward with and without the ball.

 

I will be in attendance tonight. Johnny is expected to start but Barrios is back from injury so let’s see. I am looking for his usual disruptive defensive minded contributions but also some positive passing and not just safe lateral ones. He’s been getting better and better so let’s now see that progression out to the test in another BIG game!! Aupa

 

Poch will also be in attendance, so prepare your elevator speech - 30 seconds with every word weighted for maximum impact - in advance. It’s unlikely you/we will get a second chance. Thanks!

{Remember your role: you’re ostensibly at the match to enjoy yourself as an ordinary fan. As long as you accomplish your mission - encouraging Poch to call up 30 players for Belgium/Portugal - feel free to enjoy the match as well.}

 

Johnny gets the start. Vamos!

 

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Spurs are a mess

 

The first half was half tragic and half comical. 3 absolute gift goals from gaffs. That poor rookie GK. Brutal.

 

Tottenham manager: the CL could spur us on to positive results
Atlético: thump