MY ACCOUNT
Radamel Falcao’s 92nd-minute penalty frustrated former club Atletico Madrid as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.
Atletico looked to be on course for a fourth straight LaLiga win after Alvaro Morata netted a first-time finish from their only shot on target of the opening 45 minutes.
Diego Simeone’s men protected that advantage until the final seconds of normal time, when Jose Gimenez handled and then, following a short delay, Falcao netted from the spot.
A point at home leaves Atletico still third, but they lost further ground on champions and leaders Real Madrid, who are five points better off with a game in hand.
Atletico were ahead within 20 minutes, Antoine Griezmann winning the ball high up the pitch before delivering an inch-perfect cross to Morata, who exquisitely swept past Stole Dimitrievski.
Axel Witsel then dragged a shot wide of the left post as Simeone’s side looked to add a quick second, but Rayo improved as the half continued, and Ivan Balliu stung the palms of Ivo Grbic with a fierce drive before the break.
Pathe Ciss had a decent chance to level soon after the interval but could only head wide, before Morata nodded off target at the other end.
Sergio Camello sent a low effort agonisingly past the right post as Rayo pushed for an equaliser, and it appeared as though Grbic’s save from Falcao when one-on-one would deny the visitors.
However, Gimenez handled from Randy Nteka’s header with time almost up, allowing Falcao to snatch a point against his old side.
What does it mean? Atletico pegged back
Atletico were punished for not adding a decisive second goal, with Matheus Cunha having three shots on target from the bench but never truly worrying Dimitrievski.
Yet Rayo were good value for their point by the end, having 14 attempts to Atletico’s 12 and also leading them 1.6 to 0.9 in terms of expected goals.
Griezmann the standout
Even aside from his excellent assist for Morata’s goal, Griezmann ran the show as he proved himself once again to be Atletico’s star performer.
The France international created seven chances, five more than any of his team-mates, while still only misplacing five passes in an impressive display.
Falcao haunts former side
A familiar face denied Atletico their victory, with Falcao having scored 52 goals in 68 LaLiga games for the club between 2011 and 2013.
The well-taken penalty was Falcao’s first goal against Atleti in the competition in what was his second such appearance. It came from his fourth attempt of the match, the most of any player.
What’s next?
Atletico travel to Real Betis on Sunday in their next match, while Rayo host Cadiz a day earlier.
