Despite playing against 10 men for the entire second half, defending champion Atletico Madrid lost 2-0 in the first leg of its Europa League Round of 32 series against Rubin Kazan at the VicenteCalderon stadium on Thursday. The Russian Premier League team took an early lead 10 minutes into the game and then rode its luck after Roman Sharonov was dismissed just beforehalftime. Then, five minutes into stoppage time in the second half, Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo was caught badly out of position after coming up for a corner kick, Rubin counteredand midfielder Pablo Orbaiz slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0.
After the game, Atletico coach Diego Simeone took the blame, saying he told Asenjo togo up for the corner. “The decision was mine. I thought the game was almost over and that at 1-1 the game would be closer,” Simeone said. “Football is a game of risk and we are wherewe are for taking them. The responsibility is mine and the second goal will force us to get more than one in the second leg.” The Argentine tactician suggested that the outcome was cruel on histeam, which he described as “outstanding during moments” but ultimately “lacking precision.”
Meanwhile, Rubin coach Kurban Berdyev