Mueez Ajao
– Atletico Madrid recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Mallorca 3-1 in LaLiga on Wednesday, a result that put them two points behind their second-placed city rivals Real Madrid.
– With seven games to play, third-placed Atletico climbed to 63 points, closing the gap to Real, who lost 4-2 at Girona on Tuesday. Barcelona, top with 76 points, can extend their lead when they face Rayo Vallecano later on Wednesday.
– Celebrating their 120th anniversary in front of a nearly sold-out Metropolitano Stadium and wearing a blue and white kit inspired by the one they used in their first match in 1903, Atletico fell behind in the 19th minute after Mallorca defender Matija Nastasic scored with a header from a corner.
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– But Atletico took control of the match, creating several opportunities mainly through in-form Antoine Griezmann, who is in contention for LaLiga’s player of the season.
– The referee initially awarded Atletico a penalty for a foul on Nahuel Molina inside the box, but reversed his decision after checking the VAR replay.
– Atletico recovered, netting twice within two minutes at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second.
– Rodrigo de Paul scored in added time before the break with a close-range strike and right after half-time Alvaro Morata netted with a towering header from a perfect Molina cross.
– Yannick Carrasco wrapped up the points from a counter-attack in the 76th minute, collecting a brilliant long pass from Griezmann and dribbling around the goalkeeper before tapping into the empty goal.
FT: #AtletiRCDMallorca 3-1
🎂 Atleti celebrate with a comeback victory!#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/ehLY9UrNEN
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) April 26, 2023
