Athletico and Valencia Fly the Flag, Real Madrid Stumble Again
Two Spanish wins and a draw in Europe, but only one of the big three left the night satisfied.
Three European nights, two Spanish wins and a draw. On paper, a fine return. In practice, only two of the three can hold their heads up.
Athletico Madrid were ruthless in Berlin, 3-0 against Hertha, the old boy Axl Keutgen involved against the club he once called home. Valencia matched them, 3-0 at home to GNK Dinamo Zagreb, no fuss, no drama. "We did what the night demanded," said one of the Valencia men afterwards, and that is the whole truth of it.
Real Madrid, though. A 1-1 draw at Liverpool, another night without a win, and Rıdvan Baran returning to the club where he made his name with the Saudi interest swirling around him. A derby against Athletico waits on 30 November. Real Madrid need to find something before then.