RC Celta earned a point in their visit to the Metropolitano against Atlético de Madrid, a draw that was forged thanks to a penalty converted by Iago Aspas for the Celestes and a goal by Sorloth for the colchoneros after a match in which the locals played with 10 players for 85 minutes.
The match got off to an intense start with a tackle by Barrios on Pablo Durán in the 5th minute, which ended with the red and white midfielder being sent off for a straight red card. Celta took advantage of this early numerical disadvantage to dominate the game and maintain the initiative. However, Giráldez’s team did not manage to beat Oblak before the break and went to the changing rooms with no changes in the scoreboard.
In the second half, the Celestes continued to press, and after some tactical adjustments, they managed to take the lead in the 68th minute, when a penalty on Borja Iglesias opened the scoring. Iago Aspas did not miss from 11 meters and put Celta ahead. With the score at 0-1, the Galicians continued to insist in search of that second goal that could seal the match, but they did not succeed, and when the three points seemed to travel to Vigo, Atlético responded. In the 81st minute, Sorloth took advantage of a long pass from Giménez behind the Celeste defense to control the ball and, with a powerful shot, tied the match.
The final minutes were ticking away and the game was open. Atletico sought to take advantage of long balls, while Celta tried to exploit the spaces, but time ended with a draw on the scoreboard.
With this draw, Celta gained an important point on their visit to Madrid. Now, Giráldez’s team will focus on their next home game, which will take place on Friday, February 21 at 21:00h against Osasuna.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
1- Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán (Reinildo, min.59); G. Simeone (Gallagher, min.78), Barrios, De Paul (Correa, min.78), Lino (Koke, min.10); Griezmann (Sorloth, min.78) and Julián Álvarez.
1- RC Celta: Guaita; Javi Rodríguez (Iglesias, min.46), Starfelt, C. Domínguez (Mingueza, min.37), Marcos Alonso, Carreira; Beltrán (Losada, min.46), Sotelo; Fer López (Aspas, min.62), Swedberg (Moriba, min.72) and Durán.
Goals: 0-1, min.68: Aspas (p); 1-1, min.81: Sorloth.
Referee: Martínez Munuera (Valencian Committee). Yellow cards were shown to De Paul (min.65), Le Normand (min.67) and Giménez (min.68) for Atlético de Madrid, and to Carlos Domínguez (min.31), Pablo Durán (min.47), Marcos Alonso (min.72), Iker Losada (min.80) and Borja Iglesias (min.90+2) for RC Celta. He also sent off Atlético de Madrid player Pablo Barrios (min.5) with a straight red card.
Incidents: Match corresponding to Matchday 24 of LaLiga EA SPORTS at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of 64,211 spectators.
