Atletico suffered yet another dent in their title ambitions after they fell to a disappointing 2-1loss to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. A late goal from Inigo Martinez proved to be the decisive goal. Elsewhere, the result would come as good news to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the La Liga title race now blown wide open.
A bullet header from Martinez via a corner kick four minutes from time delivered a fatal blow to Atletico, who initially pulled level through another headed effort from Stefan Savic in the 77th minute following Alex Berenguer’s opener in the ninth minute.
Atletico are still top of the table but third-placed Barcelona, who claimed a 2-1 win over Villarreal earlier on Sunday, can move to take first spot if they beat Granada on Thursday in their outstanding fixture.
“We’re devastated,” said Atletico captain Koke after the defeat.
“We looked to get back in the game in the second half by any way possible, we drew level then they got the winner from a set piece.”
“We just have to keep going and try to win our next game, we badly need to do that.”
Atletico’s defeat now brings some spice to the La Liga title race, with only three points separating Los Rojiblancos and fourth-placed Sevilla. With only five games left, the title can still go anyway and it promises to be something of a spectacle.
Reigning Champions Real Madrid also faltered after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Real Betis on Saturday. For their next outing, Atletico Madrid take on a struggling Elche side before they take on a potential title decider against Barcelona on May 8.
