Atlético closes gap as La Liga heats up
Atlético Madrid kicked off Matchweek 17 of La Liga with a 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday, in a clash at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atlético's home stadium.
Koke, the captain, opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a sharp follow-up from a corner, and Antoine Griezmann added the second in the 75th minute. Valencia's lone goal came from Lucas Beltrán in the 63rd minute.
The result lifts Atlético to 37 points, placing them second in the league table, while Valencia sit 16th with 15 points.
Barça and Real Madrid under pressure
The win keeps Barcelona, the table-toppers on 40 points, within striking distance and means Atlético cut the gap to the leaders to three points. Barcelona host Osasuna at Camp Nou while Valencia sit 15th on 15 points.
Not only did Atlético increase pressure on Barcelona, but Real Madrid are also pushed away from the second spot.
Real Madrid head into Sunday’s game against Deportivo Alavés at Alavés’ ground, third with 36 points, with tensions rising in the squad, especially with Xabi Alonso reportedly under departure threat.
Since the start of November, Real Madrid have played six league games, winning two, drawing three, and losing one, a tally of 9 points dropped from 18.
Punchline: If La Liga were a comedy show, Atlético would be the season's star—always delivering the punchline right before Real Madrid's jokes land.
Punchline 2: Barca lead, but their defense is like a software update—great in theory, but sometimes the fix never seems to install.
