Late Morata goal gives Atletico Madrid dramatic win at Girona

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Álvaro Morata puts Athletico Madrid on the board with a goal

Álvaro Morata puts Athletico Madrid on the board with a goal

Updated: Oct 12, 2023, 03:20 pm

A last-gasp goal by Alvaro Morata stretched Atletico Madrid's unbeaten LaLiga run to nine matches as they beat Girona 1-0 on Monday to strengthen their grip on third place in the standings.

Atletico moved to 48 points after seizing their opportunity to move three points clear of Real Sociedad in the race to finish third after the Basque side drew 1-1 with Mallorca on Sunday.

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Girona, who had previously lost only one of their last eight home games in LaLiga, are in 12th place on 30 points, four points above relegation zone.

Atletico failed to score until stoppage time, and suffered some anxious moments after the goal was initially disallowed before a review by VAR changed the decision to hand substitute Morata his 10th league goal of the season.

"For me (the goal) was very clear... the VAR has given it to me so I'm happy," said Morata, who scored his 10th league goal this season.

"I am here to help the team. I want to play, like everyone else, but I'm very happy with my work and my attitude. It's not easy to come in and do well. I hope we continue in this form. We are strong if we are together."

Atletico host relegation-threatened Valencia on Saturday, while Girona play at Rayo Vallecano.