Correa strike clinches Atletico win at Granada

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:09 am

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid overcame conceding a second-half equaliser to score again and beat Granada 2-1 away from home on Saturday to get back to winning ways and move eight points clear at the top of the standings.

Marcos Llorente put Atletico in front in the 63rd minute with a low finish from the edge of the area but the visitors' joy was short-lived as Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera equalised for Granada three minutes later following a corner.

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Atletico were on course to drop points for a second consecutive game after Monday's 2-2 draw at home to Celta but they regained the lead in the 75th thanks to a heavily deflected effort from Argentine forward Angel Correa.

Diego Simeone's side move on to 54 points after 21 games, eight clear of second-placed Real Madrid and with a game in hand. 

He said: "It's always difficult when we come to Granada, they're a patient team who know what they're doing. In the first half there were moments when it looked like we could hurt them and in the second half we were better. Koke gave us fluidity in the middle.

"We found our game, especially on the right. We suffered until the end because Granada are very competitive."

Atletico Madrid earned a gritty win over Granada.
Getty

"We knew we had to keep our composure in the area, we were creating a lot of chances and we knew the goal was going to arrive sooner or later," match-winner Correa said.

"We had drawn our last game and we wanted to get the three points against a good side, so we leave here feeling very happy because we did just that.

"All we can do is focus on ourselves and think about improving because today we conceded another goal and we have to try and stop that happening."