Juanfran rescues a valuable point at Rennes

Atletico Madrid came away from France with a draw, taking them a little closer to the next phase of the UEFA Europa League. The group I match in Glasgow ended with the same result meaning Atletico are still leading the group along with  Udinese who also have four points.   In the Stadium Route de Lorient there were two games, one before and one after the goal of Rennes in the 10th minute of the second half. Until that moment both Atletico and the French kept it tight in the middle of the park, looking to control the ball.   Adrian and Mario with a header at the near post from a Diego corner, had the best chances for Atletico. Montano and Kembo were the stars for Rennes with shots on the goal of Courtois.  In the 55th minute, a good  bit of link up play between Victor Montano and former Racing player Dalmat ended with the Colombian beating Courtois. The shot by the Rennes striker, who has already scored eight goals so far this season deflected off Dominguez to beat the Belgian goalkeeper.   Despite the blow, the team's response was good. Gregorio Manzano made a few changes, with Reyes, Salvio and Juanfran bringing freshness and intensity to the team.     With only 3 minutes left, Juanfran found the answer for Atletico, a cross from the right sailed into the French six yard box, where he was on hand to turn it home to make it 1-1. Atletico came out of the Route de Lorient with two bits of very good news. Although they suffered to earn the point in the Route de Lorient, the draw keeps their destiny in their own hands in Europe. And they also showed that the have the fighting spirit to come from behind.  The next challenge for Atletico comes on Sunday in the Vicente Calderon, where the red and whites take on Sevilla.