March 12, (THEWILL) – Atletico Madrid’s Champions League ambitions were boosted when Rodrigo de Paul scored a second-half goal in a 2-1 win against Cadiz on Friday night.
Joao Felix gave Diego Simeone’s side the lead early on, but Alvaro Negredo levelled the score at the end of a gritty first half. Despite the relegation-threatened visitors having the better of the play for lengthy periods, De Paul scored a second-half winner to put Simeone’s side in third place in La Liga, with Javi Serrano’s late red card having little impact.
Cadiz gave their hosts the lead just three minutes into the game when goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma passed straight to Joao Felix, who finished well from a tight angle.
As Cadiz looked to respond in a tense first half, Alfonso Espino and Negredo both volleyed narrowly wide. Then, the game threatened to boil over when Atletico defender, Reinildo threw himself into a two-footed challenge and should have been sent off just before half-time. But, after a controversial VAR review, referee Pablo Fuertes overturned the decision, much to the chagrin of the visitors.
Cadiz, on the other hand, finished the first half on a high note, drawing level through Negredo’s well-placed header after captain Espino’s exquisite left-wing cross.
However, De Paul scored the winner against the run of play from a rebound after Ledesma parried substitute Angel Correa’s powerful shot 22 minutes from time.
Soon after, Jose Gimenez made a spectacular goal-line clearance from Luis Hernandez, and Atletico were put in a tight situation when Serrano was sent off for a rash challenge just five minutes after coming on, but the hosts clung on for three crucial points in their Champions League push.
For the time being, Atletico have returned to third place in La Liga. They lead Barca by three points and have two games in hand. In this match, the Madrilenans only had six shots against Cadiz’s 16, but they made the most of them.
Cadiz remains in 18th place. They will be unhappy to lose today because a point was within reach, but their performance bodes well for their survival chances.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
