Like the teams that played the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, Atlético de Madrid played their late match this evening counting for the 20th day of La Liga. Third in the standings at kick-off, the colchonero club was overtaken by FC Barcelona at the start of the evening after the Culés’ victory against Osasuna (1-0). Opposed to Rayo Vallecano (13th), Diego Simeone’s men should not miss. Rather dominant, Antoine Griezmann’s partners saw their strong efforts rewarded in the 35th minute when Reinildo came to place a winning header on a shot from Riquelme (1-0).
But when he thought he had done the hardest part, Atlético was surprised by the superb action of the visitors concluded by Alvaro Garcia, author of a magnificent sequence of control-cross strike from the left at the entrance to the area (1-1, 43rd). Returning from the locker room, Atlético struggled to make a difference. Rayo even had the opportunity to achieve the perfect hold-up (77th, 79th). Atlético thought they would escape shortly after with a score from Memphis Depay (80th). But the VAR decided otherwise. Fortunately for the Batavian, the video assistance gave him a smile again in stoppage time to validate his goal on a cross from Antoine Girezmann (90th). A close 2-1 victory as Atlético likes them which allows it to remain third in the standings, tied with FC Barcelona.
