Atlético Madrid lose ground in title race with Villarreal draw

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Did Simeone make a mistake benching Griezmann vs. Villarreal?

Luis García debates why Antoine Griezmann didn't start for Atlético Madrid in their 1-1 draw vs. Villarreal.

Updated: Jan 26, 2025, 11:56 am

Atlético Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw against visiting Villarreal in LaLiga on Saturday after Samuel Lino's close-range effort in the second half cancelled out a controversial penalty converted by Gerard Moreno.

Diego Simeone's Atleti, now without a victory in their last two league games after a 15-game winning run in all competitions, have lost top spot to Real Madrid, who have 46 points.

They are second with 45 followed by Barcelona and Athletic Club, level on 39 points. Villarreal are fifth on 34.

Real Madrid have a game in hand and could extend their lead at bottom side Valladolid later on Saturday.

Atlético Madrid have seen their LaLiga title charge stutter over the last week.
Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Atlético dominated against Villarreal but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 29th minute, with Moreno converting a spot kick after he was fouled from behind.

Atlético's players complained to the referee, arguing that defender Reinildo Mandava touched the ball first before making contact with Moreno, but José María Sánchez Martínez considered the challenge was an infringement and stuck to his decision.

Moreno made the most of Villarreal's only shot on target in the game before Atlético piled on the pressure, mainly through forward Julián Álvarez who forced goalkeeper Luiz Júnior to make two fine saves to keep out his efforts from the edge of the box.

Atletico manager Simeone tried to shake things up with halftime substitutions and his side equalised in the 58th minute after a spell of pressure when Lino tapped home a rebound after the goalkeeper failed to hold Ángel Correa'sclose-range strike.

Villarreal wasted chances on the counter but the hosts came closer to scoring as Júnior had to make a stunning one-handed save to stop Pablo Barrios' thunderous strike from outside the box in the 85th, with Antoine Griezmann just missing with a close-range header in added time.

"Today we don't leave with a good taste in our mouths," Lino told Movistar Plus. "We did everything we could, but today it didn't work out ... It's frustrating.

"I've scored, we got a point but we thought that Reinildo touched the ball [before the penalty was awarded], but the referee's interpretation is what stays."