Atletico Madrid blew the prospect to say the lead in La Liga with a 1-1 dwelling draw in opposition to Celta Vigo on Saturday, however performed many of the recreation with 10 males after Pablo Barrios’ seventh-minute crimson card. After champions and leaders Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna earlier on, Diego Simeone’s aspect had been aiming to capitalise at their Metropolitano stadium. However Barrios’ early sending-off set Atletico again and Iago Aspas fired Celta forward within the second half from the penalty spot. Atletico goal man Alexander Sorloth rescued a degree for the Rojiblancos with a effective strike within the 81st minute, protecting them a degree behind Los Blancos.
“When we had been left with 10 males it’s extremely troublesome… the workforce tried all the pieces,” Atletico midfielder Koke instructed DAZN.
“We defended effectively, we suffered once we needed to. Obviously we’re nonetheless within the battle for the title.
“We need to proceed and preserve working, there’s nonetheless an extended option to go.”
Barrios, who was additionally despatched off within the first half of a Champions League conflict in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen in January, flew right into a reckless excessive sort out on Pablo Duran.
The Spaniard was dismissed within the seventh minute after a VAR evaluate.
Atletico dug deep and stored Celta at bay in a primary half with few probabilities of observe.
The Galician aspect, with an additional participant, had management of the ball however Atletico had been glad to cease them from creating hazard, with Antoine Griezmann chipping in with loads of defensive work.
Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita made a easy save to disclaim Marcos Llorente, who couldn’t get a lot energy on a shot from the sting of the field.
The guests took the lead when Robin Le Normand trod on Borja Iglesias’s foot and pointed to the penalty spot.
Veteran striker Aspas, 37, despatched Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak the flawed option to put Celta forward together with his seventh league aim of the marketing campaign.
Simeone turned to his bench for additional spark, bringing on Sorloth, Angel Correa and Conor Gallagher.
Atletico have relied on Sorloth largely as a super-sub this season and the Norwegian striker pulled off his favorite trick as soon as extra.
Sorloth overpowered defender Carl Starfelt and walloped dwelling contained in the close to submit to tug Atletico stage.
Celta threatened in stoppage time however Atletico held on to say a useful level, even when they’d hoped for 3 after Real Madrid’s draw.
“I’m very glad to get taking part in once more (after harm)… we bought a degree at a really troublesome place to go,” mentioned Aspas, who final performed in December.
“It’s true we had (many) minutes with an additional man, however we all know how sturdy Atletico are. We’re a bit pissed off as a result of we had been near successful.”
On Monday Barcelona, third, host Rayo Vallecano and may transfer stage on factors with Los Blancos in the event that they win.
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