Atlético Madrid vs Feyenoord: Morata's Double Sinks Slot Agony

Feyenoord suffers frustrating Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid as Alvaro Morata scores twice for the home team.

Feyenoord had a disappointing night in Madrid as they were defeated by Alvaro Morata's two goals, resulting in a loss for the Dutch team. The game took a turn when Morata scored right before and after half-time, completely changing the dynamics of the match. Up until that point, Feyenoord had shown themselves to be the stronger team.

Coach Arie Slot had warned his team that this match would be a test of their abilities, and they certainly gave it their all. Slot made some strategic choices, including replacing the suspended Santiago Gímenez with Japanese striker Ayase Ueda and picking Ramiz Zerrouki in midfield to allow Calvin Stengs to play a more advanced role.

Feyenoord started the game offensively, taking the game to Atlético from the very beginning. Their efforts paid off early on when Ueda took a shot that Jan Oblak could only parry, and the ball ended up bouncing off defender Mario Hermoso's back and into the net.

However, just five minutes later, Atlético leveled the score when Mats Wieffer intercepted a diagonal ball towards Saul Niguez but could only redirect it to Alvaro Morata, who swiftly took a shot past Timo Wellenreuther.

There was some controversy surrounding the goal, as Niguez was initially called offside by the referee. However, after reviewing the VAR, it was determined that Niguez was not interfering with play, and the goal was allowed to stand.

Feyenoord managed to regain their lead in the 34th minute when Dávid Hancko volleyed Stengs's free-kick against Oblak, and then followed up with a powerful shot into the net from the rebound.

The visitors continued to pose a threat, with Stengs and Igor Paixão causing trouble down the right-hand side. However, it was Atlético who struck just before half-time when Feyenoord failed to clear a corner, and Antoine Griezemann found an opportunity to hook the ball over his shoulder and into the net.

Morata continued to make an impact in the second half, scoring minutes after the restart with a low finish into the bottom corner from Nahuel Molina's cross. Feyenoord fought hard to find an equalizer, with Paixão making two spectacular attempts, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

As the game progressed, Ueda became increasingly isolated and was eventually replaced by Yankuba Minteh. Slot also took a gamble by bringing on Iranian striker Alireza Jahanbakhsh in place of Zerrouki.

Minteh made some promising attempts in the dying minutes of the game, but Atlético managed to hold on to their lead, much to the delight of their home fans.

Feyenoord's next match will be against Lazio at De Kuip on October 25th.