Atlético Madrid felt the disappointment from their Emirates exit as Celta clung to their Champions League hopes with a 1-0 victory. Borja Iglesias scored his 14th league goal with a clever chip over Oblak, while Lookman hit the crossbar and Sorloth’s backheel forced a superb save from Radu.
{Celta secured a crucial win at the Metropolitano, with their European ambitions still burning bright.}
Atlético Madrid had already mathematically secured a top-five finish after Rayo Vallecano’s Conference League final qualification granted LaLiga an extra Champions League spot. However, Simeone’s side arrived with the sting of their Champions League semifinal defeat to Arsenal and little left to play for this season. In stark contrast, Celta are chasing a fifth-place finish now that it guarantees a place in Europe’s elite competition, aiming to overtake Real Betis.
The match started at high intensity. Griezmann had a great chance after a clearance from Yoel Lago, but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside call on Marcos Llorente. Atléti continued pressing, with Lookman claiming a penalty after contact with Javi Rodríguez. Just a minute later, the Nigerian struck the crossbar.
The negative note came when Josema Giménez suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Le Normand. Radu provided security for Celta, denying Griezmann’s shot and a header from Sorloth, who had replaced Julián Álvarez after the Argentine’s ankle knock forced him off at the Emirates. Marcos Llorente then fired from the edge of the box, forcing a brilliant save from Yoel Lago to tip the ball onto the corner.
In the second half, Atléti continued to besiege Radu’s area. Pubill’s cross missed Griezmann, and Hancko’s header went wide. Celta finally threatened Oblak’s goal with a Moriba shot that grazed the crossbar.
Radu made a stunning save to deny Sorloth’s backheel flick. Koke played a long ball to Baena, whose cross was expertly met by Sorloth with a backheel, but Radu reacted brilliantly to keep it out. Baena then set up Lookman, but the Nigerian fired over the bar. Simeone substituted Griezmann in what could be his penultimate home game at the Metropolitano, receiving an ovation as Thiago Almada came on. Nahuel Molina also replaced Lookman.
But Celta, who had barely threatened, struck decisively. Williot Swedberg threaded a perfect pass to Borja Iglesias, who chipped Oblak with a spectacular finish to put the visitors ahead. Simeone responded by bringing on Cubo and Vargas for Baena and Le Normand. Llorente shot high, Sorloth headed a Koke cross wide, and Cubo fired just past the post after a pass from Almada. Ruggeri then delivered a cross that Cubo headed goalward, only for Radu to make another save.
With 50 points, Celta are now three points behind Betis, having played one more game. Their dream of Champions League football remains very much alive.
The Flashscore Player of the Match was Ionut Radu (Celta).
All match details and stats for Atlético Madrid-Celta are available on Flashscore.