Atleti start LaLiga with hard-fought win at Celta
Our team won 2-1 at Balaídos on Sunday thanks to a Correa brace. The game lasted over 100’ and Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time.
Atleti kicked off LaLiga with a 2-1 win at Celta on Sunday. It was a hard-fought game that was decided by Correa’s brace.
It was a special game for Oblak, who became the goalkeeper with the most appearances in our club’s history (304). Neither side managed to be particularly dangerous in the opening 20’. However, our team took the lead thanks to a fantastic goal from Correa, who struck it powerfully into the back of the net. Lemar provided the assists after a wonderful play. We kept pushing but failed to create big chances until the 39th minute, when Hermoso and Savic had a massive double chance. We reached half-time with a one-goal lead.
Simeone’s men started well the second half and dominated the game, until the referee unexpectedly awarded a penalty to Celta due to an alleged Llorente handball. This incident, which happened just before the hour mark, also saw our No. 14 pick up a yellow card. Aspas converted the penalty and equalised the game. But Atleti reacted brilliantly and scored a fantastic goal. It was Correa once again, and this time Saúl provided the assist. Simeone made a triple change 65’ in, as Trippier, De Paul and Suárez came on for Koke, Lemar and Correa.
We continued to dominate the game, although Celta kept pushing. The hosts managed to create a massive chance with 10’ to go as Aspas was sent through on goal. The striker went around Oblak, but his shot was luckily off target. Lodi came on for Llorente shortly thereafter as we fought to hold on to our lead. The referee awarded 7’ of stoppage time – during which Mario Hermoso and Hugo Mallo were sent off – and the game ultimately ended in the 101st minute as Atleti earned a hard-fought win.
