Atletico come from behind to win La Liga

Atletico Madrid won La Liga for the first time in seven seasons after fighting back from a goal down against Valladolid. Oscar Plano's 18th minute goal saw Valladolid take the lead, but Real Madrid were losing to Villarreal. Atletico were very poor in the first half, but they were much improved in the second 45. 

Angel Correa levelled moments after Karim Benzema's leveller for Real Madrid was ruled out by VAR and then Luis Suarez's goal midway through the second half meant the comeback was complete and Real Madrid late comeback was in vain. Atletico's victory meant Valladolid were relegated, but even a victory for the home side would not have kept them up as Elche won and Huesca drew. 

The first half of the match at the Jose Zorrilla stadium was tense and Atletico lacked their usual sharpness. Chances were at a premium and Valladolid then took a shock lead after a lovely counter from an Atletico corner when Yannick Carrasco lost the ball. Marcos Andre spotted Oscar Plano in space and he made no mistake in front of Jan Oblak. 

Atletico were hardly troubling the Valladolid goal and continued to look sloppy at the back. The closest they came is when El Yamiq nearly headed into his own net and then when Luis Suarez's shot across goal was deflected wide by Kiko Olivas. Weissman had a chance to score for Valladolid at the other end and the home side were very comfortable. That all changed in the second period though. 

The away side noticeably improved in the second half and Jose Maria Gimenez headed over the bar in the 50th minute. Seven minutes later, Atletico were on level terms when Angel Correa got the ball just outside the D, he dribbled past a couple of defenders and then hit through the legs of another to score a lovely goal. That came while Madrid were still losing 0-1 and Valladolid were still attacking. 

Weissman headed over from point blank range after Olaza's long range shot was saved by the keeper, but five minutes later, they fell behind after a terrible error. Substitute Sergi Guardiola passed the ball straight to Luis Suarez at the other side of the halfway line and the Uruguayan made no mistake in a one on one situation with Jordi Masip. 

Atletico very nearly made it three through Carrasco with 12 minutes left, but Carrasco could not keep his shot down. Sergi Guardiola gave Atleti a scare in the 90th minute and then Real Madrid's two goals at the death caused a nervy final two minutes for Simeone's men, but they held on to win and become La Liga 2020-21 champions. 

 

May 22, 2021