Athletic Bilbao managed to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Week 33 of the Spanish League at the San Mames Stadium, Monday (26/4).
According to WhoScored’s records, Los Rojiblancos actually played more dominating. They hold possession of the ball up to 62 percent. In terms of opportunities, Atletico made 14 shots with 3 aimed at the goal. As for Bilbao to create 11 opportunities, 3 of which went right on target.
Bilbao, who played as the host, were able to excel first when the game had only been running for eight minutes. Alex Berenguer’s header from close range managed to trick Jan Oblak into making the score 1-0.
Atletico immediately responded to the fast goal scored by Bilbao. Two opportunities were obtained through Yannick Carrasco and Hector Herrera that Bilbao could still defeat.
The pressure was intensified by the visitors to equalize. Felipe got a chance through a header from a corner that Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon could still secure.
Bilbao had time to steal opportunities in the 37th minute. Oihan Sancet tries to threaten with a header from Jon Morcillo’s cross but is still over Oblak’s crossbar.
In the second half, Atletico, who needed a win to keep their distance from Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for the Spanish League title, played more offensively. Several other opportunities were created through Carrasco, Marcos Llorente, and Angel Correa.
Atletico’s attempt to score an equalizer paid off in the 77th minute. Stefan Savic’s header takes advantage of Carrasco’s corner to break into Bilbao’s goal.
Atletico, who tried hard to find the winning goal, conceded again. Bilbao could return to winning 2-1 in the 86th minute.
Inigo Martinez’s header took advantage of a corner kick which slid swiftly into the Atletico goal without being able to dammed Oblak. The 2-1 score made Atletico have to end the match in defeat.
This defeat made Atletico Madrid’s position at the top of the Spanish League standings threatened. The reason is, they failed to stay away from their two closest rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Atletico are now only 2 points away from Madrid-Barca, who have both collected 71 points. For the record, Barcelona has one game less than the two Madrid clubs. Of the three race horses of the Spanish League, only Barcelona have been able to win this week.
Lionel Messi cs. won 2-1 over Villarreal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Real Betis.
