Under pressure from doubts, concerned about recent performances, and urgently needing LaLiga points, Giuliano Simeone reignited Atlético de Madrid and his father Diego Simeone at the Metropolitano against Las Palmas, a team he effectively neutralized from start to finish. The win came through the connection between the young Argentine winger and his compatriot Nahuel Molina, with Alexander Sorloth sealing the deal with a late goal. 

An essential victory. After a poor first half against Betis and tense moments early in Thursday’s Copa del Rey match against Vic, these three points are a breath of fresh air, time, and calm for Atlético as they prepare for a decisive Champions League clash against Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes.

Giuliano brings commitment, speed, and effort. He’s a player whose value is evident in this Atlético squad. The more he plays, the clearer his contribution becomes. He drew the penalty that spared the team last Thursday in the Copa del Rey, and this Sunday, he paved the way for a crucial victory, not just for LaLiga standing but for the peace it brings. He’s reassuring. He also gives them much-needed time. Scoring his first goal with the first team.

He may not be a superstar with flashy skills, but soccer is much more than that. It’s ambition, commitment, courage, character, and above all, competitiveness. No one questions his dedication, and his starting position is well-earned. Against Leganés, his persistence on a lost ball was vital to sparking the comeback (3-1), while his runs, speed, and finishing were just as crucial, if not more so, against Las Palmas.

The other key element in the decisive 1-0 play, around the 37th minute, was Nahuel Molina. A player frequently questioned, now placed as right-center back out of necessity. His long pass to his compatriot’s run, beating Las Palmas’ defense with surprising ease, set Giuliano up to race against Cillessen and score with a low shot.

In today’s soccer, nearly everything is analyzed and planned. Atlético’s first goal wasn’t just luck or pure inspiration. It was a practiced, studied play executed in Saturday’s training, capitalizing on a defensive flaw with the team’s own strengths. It’s more than just a move; it’s teamwork.

Up to that point, Atlético had possession but lacked a final punch. They attacked down the flanks, with Javi Galán on the left and Giuliano Simeone on the right, but managed few clear shots. Without the finishing power they showed then and that Antoine Griezmann later lacked as his shot hit the crossbar with a 1-0 lead, the home team before the first goal claimed a handball by McKenna, which referee De Burgos Bengoetxea did not deem a penalty even after a monitor review. Jan Oblak saved them once as well.

Because, despite Atlético's dominance, Las Palmas also had its chances. The Canarian team, generally defensive and reliant on counterattacks, appeared a couple of times in the Atlético box with the right intent; one with a Fabio Silva shot that was saved by Oblak with the score still 0-0. A scare... and relief.

At halftime, Pablo Barrios, recently back from injury, and Lino, unrecognizable from last season, were subbed off for Atlético, while Las Palmas lost their goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, to a head injury early in the second half after a collision with Nahuel Molina in a low-ground tackle. The goalkeeper continued for a few minutes but, feeling dizzy, requested a substitution at the 58th minute.

Without further scares, Atlético moved toward victory, with more action from Giuliano, maneuvers by Correa, a couple of missed shots from Lenglet, and an absolute control that suggested a secure win, save for the narrow lead. Really, it was the only nerve-wracking part when the match entered its final quarter hour. Las Palmas hadn't challenged Oblak since Fabio Silva's shot in the 20th minute. That was their only attempt. 

They couldn’t do more, not with the score at 0-0 or 1-0. Not even in the final stretch when pride should have driven them forward to finish in the opposing box and try to contest a victory that always belonged to Atlético, capped off by Alexander Sorloth after a great pass from De Paul. The 2-0 in the 83rd minute. The Norwegian attacker needs confidence and goals.