Madrid: Luciano Vietto’s first goal for Atletico Madrid seven minutes from time earned the hosts a deserved share of the spoils against Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Real looked on course to move top of La Liga thanks to Karim Benzema’s fine early header in an otherwise insipid display from Rafael Benitez’s men.
Keylor Navas produced a fine save from Antoine Griezmann’s first-half penalty, but the Costa Rican international was beaten for just the second time this season when Vietto bundled the ball home from close range.
And only a spectacular save from Navas prevented Jackson Martinez snatching all three points for Atletico in stoppage time. Real maintain their two point lead over Atletico and move into second above Barcelona and Celta Vigo on goal difference, but remain a point behind leaders Villarreal.
Gareth Bale was left on the bench by Benitez as he made his return from a calf injury. However, Real started the brighter and Jan Oblak had to scurry from his line to smother an effort from Benzema after just seven minutes.
There was nothing the Slovenian could do, though, to prevent the Frenchman moving out on his own as La Liga’s top scorer with six goals as he powered home a header from Dani Carvajal’s inch-perfect cross from the right.
Leaders Villarreal stunned by Levante
La Liga leaders Villarreal’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end as Levante claimed their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory on Sunday. Villarreal were reduced to 10 men on 35 minutes when Bojan Jokic saw a straight red card for a high challenge on Ivan Lopez. The visitors held out until seven minutes from time when Brazilian striker Deyverson converted Nabil El Ghilas’s cross to take Levante off the foot of the table.
