22nd May, 2018
Atletico Madrid FC of Spain on Tuesday rose to the occasion to beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to emerge the champions of the GOtv Max Cup in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The match saw both sides show great qualities that could arguably go down as one of the best matches ever played at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, nicknamed “Nest of Champions Stadium”.
It was Kelechi Nwakali who struck in the 32nd minute of the first half after side footing Atletico’s defence and struck hard to record a fantastic goal.
Atletico retaliate through Angel Carrea in the 35th minute taking the match to an end to end entertaining first half performance by both teams.
However, Atletico went up when star player Fernando Torres connected a corner kick by nodding home the second goal that caught Eagles goalkeeper unawares.
Nigeria drew level when Usman Mohammed’s solo effort saw him drive his way past Atletico’s defence to score a super equaliser in the 80th minute.
When it appeared Super Eagles would hold on to a draw following their good control of the game, Atletico scored the winner through Borjan Garciers in the 85th minute of the game.
Garciers had capitalised on a sloppy play by the Eagles defence.
Coach Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid told newsmen that he was proud of his team and that he had instructed them to play well because he was keen on winning the match.
“We take every match seriously, and winning is very important for me because it gives me joy.
“I also have respect for the Nigerian team that played, indeed it was a great match, they gave a good account of themselves,” Simeone said.
At the end of the match, the Gotv Max medals were presented to the teams, while Atletico Madrid went home with the winners trophy.
Atletico’s Madrid Captain, Fernabdo Torres, was awarded the best player of the match in what appears to be his last game in the colours of the team he joined and captained at age 17.
Torres also played for Liverpool FC of England and Chelsea FC of England where he won the UEFA champions League in Europe.