Real Oviedo fell 2-0 to Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano, and after the match, Luis Carrión analyzed in a press conference a game that, for the Oviedo coach, had "two very different halves." The coach highlighted the lack of boldness in the first half, the improvement after the break, and the immediate challenge posed by Friday's match against Mallorca.
Carrión acknowledged that the team did not start the match well, especially in defense. "At the beginning, we were well-positioned, with them playing short, but after some situations where they broke through behind us... we were too timid in pressing, and they started to break through easily. We could have pressed much more, but we didn't, and they dominated us quite a bit on the inside. We pressed poorly at that moment, and it wasn't a good first half. Moreover, the goals were avoidable situations that we need to improve," he explained.
Regarding the reaction in the second half, the coach praised the team's attitude and greater presence in the opponent's half. "In the second half, being more daring in pressing and braver, we improved and created chances. We weren't practical in finishing, and it was two very different halves."
Luis Carrión emphasized that the team is improving defensively but pointed out the difficulty in converting chances. "I think we are better defensively. We are a team that needs too many quality actions to create a scoring chance, and that doesn't happen to anyone else in the league. Barça beat us with three crosses, and today it was similar. We need many things to score, and that's our fault; we have to make better use of our advantages. Most goals come from transitions in three touches and set pieces, and we need to improve a lot in that area."
The coach wanted to say a few words to the numerous Oviedo fans present in Madrid. "Thank you for everything we are experiencing in every away game; we already experienced it in Bilbao. On Friday, we have to be strong players on the field, giving everything we have and more, and offering good football. I am sure that on Friday, when the match against Mallorca ends, the dynamic will have changed."
Finally, the Real Oviedo coach emphasized that Friday's match at the Carlos Tartiere will be crucial for the goal of staying in the league. "Friday's match against Mallorca is a key game for us. We were convinced that we could have done better here; we showed it in the second half. Atlético is a great team, and we paid the price. We have to clear our heads; I still think we deserve more points than we have, and I believe we are capable of getting those three points we so desperately need against Mallorca. It is a very important match for our present and future in the First Division. If we win, we will see everything differently. We have to give everything to win it because it will be key to staying in the First Division."