BEVERLY HILLS, May 22, (THEWILL) – It took the final Matchday and a lot of resilience and effort to get but Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid performed a dramatic second half comeback to beat Real Valladolid 2-1 and secure their first La Liga title in seven years.
Los Rojiblancos came into the game knowing the title was theirs to win and it was in their hands, but the reality of the match made it another dramatic day of twists and turns in the Spanish title race as all final matches were being played simultaneously.
Valladolid meant business and even if the new champions started strong, Valladolid broke the deadlock as Oscar Plano finished at the near post after being released in behind the Atleti defence on the counter attack in the 18th minute.
As if by clockwork, Real Madrid conceded at home to Villarreal as well, which kept Atletico comfortably perched at the top of the live table even as they struggled to create much against a team fighting to avoid relegation in their own game until the end of the first period.
Simeone’s charges must have been given the stiff talk as the break as they emerged for the second half with renewed vigour. Three minutes to the half hour mark and Angel Correa drew both teams level by creating space for himself on the edge of the box and toe-poking home to give Atletico the edge as Real struggled with Villarreal at home.
Then, the player Barcelona lost, Luiz Suarez, came up with the goods and completed Atletico’s comeback. He received the ball just inside the opposition half and seized the opportunity to race through on goal to convert the golden opportunity for a 2-1 scoreline.
The Valladolid side showed some fight in an attempt to score a second and give their fight to remain in the top flight a chance but they ran out of time and were effectively relegated.
On the other hand, Atletico began celebrating with the final whistle. They had fought hard and withstood the chase of the regular pair of Barcelona and Real, who got their victory against Villarreal, but it is the Atletico side of Madrid that will be crowned champions.
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.
