Colchonero Chat 103: Atlético come up short in Barcelona battle

Rob Walker (@rwalk03) is a staff writer at Into the Calderón and the guest on this edition of Colchonero Chat, where he is tasked with distilling into 30-plus minutes an examination of Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Rob and Into the Calderón site manager Jeremy Beren (@JBBeren) debate Diego Simeone’s cautious approach and contrast it with the freewheeling Atlético that routed Sevilla and Leganés last week. They talk about the undying genius of Lionel Messi and the fine margins that come into play every time Atleti face off against Barça — the past six league meetings have been draws or one-goal wins for the Catalans. The podders further consider how José Giménez has re-energized the rojiblanco defense, why Simeone chose not to play Vitolo and whether Atleti can hold off Real Madrid for second place.

The guys go on to preview Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 first leg against Lokomotiv Moscow, offering their predictions and wondering who may step into the side.