Right after the opening whistle, Atletico Madrid proactively controlled the game and accelerated their attack. It took Giacome Raspadori just 4 minutes to open the scoring with an accurate coup from a bounce in the penalty area, cleverly finishing past goalkeeper Kaua Santos.
The early goal helped the home team easily impose their style of play, while Frankfurt was confused by the pressure.
In the 33rd minute, the gap was doubled when center back Robin Le Normand chose the perfect position in a corner kick, launching a decisive shot. Not stopping there, right before the break, Antoine Griezmann took advantage of Julian Alvarez's pass to escape, coolly finishing to increase the score to 3-0. Atletico entered the break with a big advantage.
Entering the second half, Frankfurt took a strong stand. In the 57th minute, Jonathan Burkardt rekindled the visitors' hopes with a shot that hit a person changing direction, leaving goalkeeper Jan Oblak completely helpless, shortening the score to 1-3 points.
However, that joy was short-lived. More than 10 minutes later, Griezmann promptly had an accurate rebound, completing a double and raising the score to 4-1. The goal was initially disallowed, but after VAR intervened, referee Slavko Vindic changed his decision.
The drama was pushed to its peak in the 81st minute, when Alvarez's shot hit the Frankfurt defender in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, the referee awarded Atletico a penalty. Alvarez himself successfully executed the shot, coolly launching into the net, sealing a 5-1 victory for the home team.
In the final minutes, Frankfurt tried to find an honorary goal but was completely helpless against Atletico's solid defense and experienced ball control ability. The home team also took advantage of the withdrawal of key players such as Griezmann and Alvarez, giving opportunities to young faces.
The 5-1 victory not only affirmed Atletico's superior strength, but also showed the effectiveness of their tight, scientific playing style. The duo Griezmann - Alvarez continue to be a great source of inspiration in the attack, while young players such as Giuliano Simeone or Raspadori also show significant potential.
