Atletico Madrid scored two late goals in two minutes to pull off a magnificent 3-2 win over Celta Vigo in what could prove a catalyst for the rest of their season.
The visitors to the Vicente Calderon looked on course to claim all three points after John Guidetti’s goal on the counter attack on 78 minutes, but late goals from Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann saw Atleti claim all three points.
Miguel Angel Moya’s blunder from a corner kick resulted in the opening goal for Gustavo Cabral, before Fernando Torres equalised with an astonishing overhead kick. Guidetti’s strike looked to have settled the contest, but Atleti rallied in dramatic style.
Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres (L) scores a goal past Celta Vigo's Gustavo Cabral
Image credit: AFP
Anything less than a win for the hosts would have seen them drop out of the top four, with Real Sociedad taking their place. This was far from a vintage performance from Diego Simeone’s side, with Celta Vigo more than holding their own, but it could be the win they need to boost them in the final stretch of the campaign.
TALKING POINT
Does Antoine Griezmann need a rest? He might have scored a dramatic late winner, bolstering Atletico's chances of finishing in the top four, but Griezmann was still rather anonymous for much of the match against Celta Vigo. The Frenchman was barely involved before the final few minutes, cutting a dejected figure at times. It is the mark of a great player that he made such an impression despite doing so little, but does Griezmann need a rest having played so many matches recently?
Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on February 12, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
MAN OF THE MATCH
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid) The Torres of old is back. His goal to equalise for Atletico in the first half was a Goal of the Season contender, looping a magnificent overhead kick over Sergio Alvarez with his back to goal. The 32-year-old undid some of his good work by smashing a penalty kick against the crossbar soon after, but Torres was still the best player in red, white and blue on the pitch. Surely he will be offered another contract extension for next season on the basis of the past few games?
Atletico Madrid's forward Fernando Torres (L) runs with the ball as Celta Vigo's Argentinian defender Facundo Roncaglia falls down during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madr
Image credit: AFP
PLAYER RATINGS
Atletico Madrid - Moya 4, Juanfran 5, Savic 5, Lucas 5, Filipe 6, Saul 5, Gabi 5, Koke 7, Carrasco 8, Griezmann 6, Torres 8. Subs - Correa 5, Gameiro 6, Vrsaljko 5.
Celta Vigo - Sergio 6, Mallo 7, Cabral 6, Roncaglia 6, Jonny 5, Radoja 5, Tucu 5, Jozabed 8, Aspas 6, Sisto 6, Guidetti 7. Subs - Wass 6, Diaz 5 4, Bongonda 5.
KEY MOMENTS
5’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 0-1 Celta Vigo: A gift of a goal for Celta Vigo! Moya made a mess of the punch from a corner kick, with the ball falling straight on to the head of Cabral, who had the simple task of heading into the net.
11’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-1 Celta Vigo: The home side are back on level terms and what a goal to equalise! Torres took a touch and then looped an improvised overhead kick over the head of the goalkeeper. Wow!
32’ PENALTY KICK TO ATLETICO MADRID! Carrasco goes down inside the area under the tackle of Hernandez.
33’ TORRES SMASHES HIS PENALTY KICK OFF THE BAR! What is it about Atletico Madrid and penalties? They just can't score them! This time Torres spurns a chance from the spot.
75’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-2 Celta Vigo: What an excellent counter attack from Celta Vigo! Guidetti missed a great chance just moments ago, but he slid home an excellent finish from Aspas' cross.
87’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-2 Celta Vigo: What an astonishing equaliser! Carrasco meets a shot on the full volley and lashes home a finish into the top corner from about 20 yards out. What a stupendous goal!
Atletico Madrid's Belgian midfielder Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (L) celebrates a goal with teammate Atletico Madrid's French defender Lucas Hernandez during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Vicente Calder
Image credit: AFP
88’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo: What a comeback! Atletico Madrid have scored two goals in two minutes. Gameiro nods down a cross for Griezmann, who arrives on the scene to lash home a finish.
KEY STATS
Atletico Madrid have missed more penalties than any other La Liga side this season - six from nine.
Fernando Torres became the first Atletico Madrid player to hit the bar from the penalty spot in La Liga since 1999 (Juninho).
Atletico Madrid have scored more goals from outside the box than any other side in La Liga this season (nine).
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