Real Valladolid’s relegation woes continued as they visited Atlético Madrid, having earned just 16 points from 31 games, with a dismal run of 10 losses in their last 11 outings. However, they refused to go down without a fight, pushing the third-placed team to their limits, despite benefiting from two penalties.
Mamadou Sylla gave Valladolid the lead with a penalty in the 21st minute. Atlético responded in kind, with Julián Álvarez scoring from the spot in the 25th minute. Giuliano Simeone then turned the game around with a stunning strike just two minutes later.
The second half saw Javi Sánchez equalize with a well-placed free-kick, which ricocheted off the wall and into the net, much to Jan Oblak’s displeasure.
The tension at the Metropolitano Stadium lingered for another 15 minutes before Julián Álvarez sealed his second goal of the game with another penalty in the 71st minute. He was denied a hat-trick eight minutes later when André Ferreira saved his shot, only for Sorloth to tap in the rebound.
Atlético’s Title Hopes
Diego Simeone’s side maintained their distance from their rivals, trailing Real Madrid by three points and Barcelona by seven. With a crucial El Clásico looming in the 35th round, Atlético’s fate hangs in the balance.
