Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title aspirations took another hit on Saturday, March 29th, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Espanyol. Cesar Azpilicueta’s first La Liga goal was cancelled out by a Javi Puado penalty, leaving Atletico winless in three league games and six points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
The draw moves Espanyol, in 15th place, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann, making a record 521st La Liga appearance for a foreign player (surpassing Lionel Messi), had an early goal disallowed for offside. However, the Frenchman was involved in the breakthrough goal in the 38th minute. His cross was poorly cleared by Marash Kumbulla, falling to Azpilicueta outside the box, who calmly curled a right-footed shot past Joan Garcia. It was the defender’s first LaLiga goal. “It turned out okay,” Azpilicueta commented, acknowledging his long wait for the goal.
Atletico almost doubled their lead minutes later following another Kumbulla error, but Conor Gallagher shot wide.
Espanyol, despite having only 39% possession, earned a way back into the match in the 71st minute. Clement Lenglet fouled Leandro Cabrera near the edge of the box, and captain Javi Puado confidently converted the resulting penalty. “We were in the game and we knew we would have a chance,” Puado said. “They had the ball but they didn’t hurt us. I’m very happy with the draw.”
The result marks the fourth consecutive draw between Atletico Madrid and Espanyol. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak expressed frustration: “Two important points have slipped away. It’s a strange moment, a difficult moment that we’re not able to win. We are not having the necessary consistency to be able to fight for LaLiga.”
Atletico Madrid now turn their attention to the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday, having drawn the first leg 4-4. Espanyol visit Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Friday.
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