Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino of Atletico Madrid scored late in the second half to beat Villarreal 3-1 in La Liga on Sunday in Madrid.
Atletico trails Barcelona by two points in fourth place with 28 points after one more game. Real Madrid trails Girona, the surprising leaders, by 32 points.
On Friday, struggling Villarreal fired manager Jose Rojo “Pacheta” and took the lead in the 20th minute with Gerard Moreno’s rebound goal.
On his chest, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak blocked Alexander Sorloth’s spectacular strike. Sorloth was replaced in the 36th minute with a leg injury.
Griezmann’s pass to Axel Witsel, who scored from close range in stoppage time, gave Atletico, the only side in La Liga to win every home game this season, a gradual edge.
Witsel scored unmarked into the top corner after the French striker ran left and sent a low cross through a packed penalty area to the far post.
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After Atletico Madrid had more chances and established control, Griezmann scored from close range in the 80th minute. Griezmann scored on Pablo Barrios’ first-time pass.
Griezmann scored his eighth goal in 12 games, although he trails Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham by two in La Liga. Bellingham has 10 goals in 11 games.
Griezmann is having a great season as France’s captain. In all competitions this season, he has four assists and eleven goals. Griezmann turned 33 in March.
Atletico kept pressing the packed Metropolitano, and substitute Lino won it five minutes from time with a great solo goal from inside the box after breaking through on the left.
It was hard to compete. Griezmann stated that weariness may be a factor, requiring reserve players to have a significant impact. Our home delivery is due to our loyal fan base. They honor us with their support. Even with 80 minutes left, we want to give more because of them.”
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