Atlético Madrid tripped up again this Sunday, drawing 1-1 against Celta Vigo on the road. This result wrapped up the eighth round of the Spanish League. What really stung for Atlético was playing the entire second half a man down. You can’t help but feel this was a real missed chance for the “Colchoneros.”
The game kicked off at Balaídos Stadium, and Atlético looked sharp early. They found the net just seven minutes in. It wasn’t exactly a goal for the highlight reel, though. Celta’s own Carl Starfelt, the Swedish defender, had an unlucky moment. He put the ball past his own keeper, giving Madrid the lead.
Things went sideways fast, however. Just before the break, around the 40-minute mark, French defender Lenglet saw red. A straight expulsion meant Atlético faced the second half with only ten players. That’s a huge mountain to climb in any match, especially away from home. Predictably, Celta’s Iago Aspas made them pay, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 68th minute.
This draw puts a dent in Atlético’s hopes at the top of the table. They now sit in fifth place with 13 points. Ahead of them are Betis with 15 points in fourth, and Villarreal with 16 points in third. Barcelona holds second place with 19 points. Real Madrid continues to lead the pack with a comfortable 21 points. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo is hanging in 16th spot with six points, a point earned that felt like a victory for them. For Atlético, though, it feels like they left two valuable points on the pitch.