Atletico Madrid failed to continue their European League success in the league after only managed a draw against home team Sporting Gijon on Sunday, temporarily holding Diego Simeone’s side ambition in getting into the Champions League.
In fact it was Athletic Bilbao that managed to get into the Champions zone at the moment after in the other game, Marcelo Bielsa’s side successfully trashing Malaga 3-0 with all goals coming in the second half.
Atletico Madrid Held at El Molinon
Having just grabbed a major success in Europe after beating Italian side Lazio 3-1, Atletico arrived at El Molinon in a pretty confident fashion as they’re eying to steal the last Champions League spot. The visitor did proved their attacking intention early in the first period as they created several goal scoring chances through Radamel Falcao, who failed to continue his excellent goal scoring run on the match.
Simeone’s boys did managed to take the lead but it happened from an own goal by Roberto Canella, who turned Adrian’s shot into his own net after the Spanish under 21 international burst into space and threatened to get the opener. The goal unfortunately didn’t made things easier for Atletico as it was Gijon who became motivated instead as they picked up their game in search for the equalizing goal, which arrived just before the half time mark.
Few minutes before the half time whistle arrived, Sebastian Eguren taking full advantage of the mess in Atletico’s defense by scoring the equalizing goal which led into Gijon’s dominating most of the outing after that. Javier Clemente’s team had more chances in the second period as they looked fresher compared to their opponent who started to show some tiredness after their Europa League stint and simply can’t regain their early pressure.
Bilbao Sneak Into Champions League Zone After Trashing Malaga
Meanwhile, at San Mames, Bilbao’s turned on a dull first half performance into a sparkling one in the second period causing havoc for their opponent, Malaga, who simply can’t contain Marcello Bielsa’s team. Amorebieta started the goal rout in the 57th minute after pouncing on San Jose’s blocked shot, providing the lead that Bielsa’s team have been searching since the start of the first period which ended in a stalemate.
The goal further motivated Bilbao players, who continue to search more more goals that will confirm their victory and only three minutes after Amorebiate’s strike, Bielsa’s boys grabbed the second through San Jose’s header. Toquero sealed the victory few minutes later after his finish from a tough angel simply beat Willy Caballero on Malaga’s goal, allowing the home team to walk away with plenty delights.
photo credit: Daquella manera
