News
SAT 19.03.2016
Atletico Madrid suffered only their second defeat of 2016 in the the Liga BBVA after letting slip the lead at the Molinon, and in the process damaged their chances of catching leaders FC Barcelona before the end of the season.
Atletico changes
Atletico coach Diego Simeone rang the changes after their draining midweek Champions League last 16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven, when they were taken to extra time and then penalties before triumphing at the Calderon. Lucas Hernandez, Jesus Gamez, Angel Correa and Matias Kranevitter all stepped into the starting XI.
Griezmann stunner
The visitors took the lead when Saul was fouled on the edge of the area. Koke and Antoine Griezmann lined up over the ball for the freekick. The Frenchman took a short run up and curled a shot over the wall into the top corner. It was his fifth goal in as many games and his 17th of the Liga BBVA season.
Sporting fightback
Sporting struggled to make headway against the league’s tightest defence until the second half. The hosts pressed Atletico back to the edge of their area and started creating chances. One freekick struck the post and shortly after they levelled. Paraguayan striker Tonny Sanabria powered a shot through the Atletico wall, the ball taking a slight deflection, for his 11th of the season. Sporting were suddenly all over their visitors.
Castro redeems himself
Carlos Castro somehow missed a sitter to put them in front near the end, firing against the crossbar when it would have been easier to score but he was able to make amends a minute from time. An almost identical breakaway ended with Jony's laying the ball across the face of the goal, and this time the Sporting number 16 slotted home to spark wild celebrations for their first win in nine outings.
© LALIGA - 2016