La Liga - Atletico Madrid 3-2 Valencia - Match Report
Barca made to wait on La Liga title as Atletico edge out Valencia in five goal thriller
Angel Correa's stunning late strike secured Atletico Madrid a 3-2 win over Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday to delay Barcelona's confirmation as LaLiga champions.
Defeat for Diego Simeone's men would have seen Barca clinch a second successive title without even playing, but they showed admirable character to see off a resolute Valencia side who had seemingly clinched a valuable point in the top-four battle with a 77th-minute Dani Parejo penalty.
Atletico were good value for their lead when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but they lacked intensity and Kevin Gameiro levelled for Valencia against his former club.
Griezmann ensured Atletico went back in front in the 49th minute at the end of a lovely move and, although Parejo converted a contentious spot-kick to seemingly earn Valencia a commendable draw, Correa's long-range effort ended the visitors' hopes.
Atletico began with great purpose and, after threatening with a couple of earlier deliveries, took the lead in the ninth minute – Morata turning home Juanfran's brilliant right-wing cross.
Valencia gradually improved as the half progressed and levelled nine minutes before the interval, Santi Mina skilfully flicking the ball over Diego Godin's head in the box and picking out Gameiro for an easy finish.
They were not level for long, however, as Atletico restored their lead just after the break – Griezmann nipping in front of Jose Gaya to head in Thomas Lemar's precise cross from the left flank.
Jan Oblak was helpless to keep Parejo's penalty out towards the end, as a VAR review saw Saul Niguez punished – somewhat harshly – for handball from a Gameiro effort.
But Correa – a second-half substitute for Filipe Luis – saved the day four minutes later, sending an unstoppable effort to Neto's left from distance to seal the points.
Goals
Goal! Ángel Correa puts Atletico into the lead! What a delicious curling finish!
Goal! Parejo slots away from the penalty spot!
Goal! Griezmann heads Atletico ahead!
Goal! Valencia equalise! Plenty of composure from Kevin Gamero who scores from Santi Mina's pass.
Goal! Atletico take the lead! Morata turns in Juanfran's perfect cross at the back post!
Live Updates
Preamble
Now for the home side Atletico! Griezmann starts alongside Morata in attack. Whilst Saul & Rodri are paired up in midfield.
Team news is in! Leading scorer Dani Parejo starts in midfield alongside Frances Coquelin.
Atleti are all but assured of second place in the league! Will they be able to make Barca wait till their weekend match against Levante to clinch the La Liga crown?
Barcelona fans have certainly been pestering the Valencia Twitter account today!
So can Valencia get the better of Athleti and hand the title to Barcelona? It looks like it might be a tough test for Los Che!
Good evening! Welcome to the Live Updates of Atletico Madrid Vs Valencia. The equasion is simple for Barcelona, If Atletico drop points to Valencia they are La Liga champions. As ever, join me for all the build up, team news and yes the goals as they go in from the big game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
