Atletico Madrid misplaced early floor to Barcelona of their quest for the LaLiga title as they had been held to a 1-1 draw with metropolis rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The guests withstood an early spell of stress and virtually took the lead in gorgeous style when Julian Alvarez’s strike from distance cannoned off the crossbar.
However Diego Simeone’s facet discovered themselves a aim down within the thirty fifth minute when Isi Palazon turned residence Raul de Tomas’ cross after good work from Jorge de Frutos.
Nonetheless, parity was restored 4 minutes after the break when Conor Gallagher struck past Augusto Batalla from the sting of the realm to internet his second aim in as many video games for his new membership.
Atletico continued to push for a winner, with Alvarez and Angel Correa going shut, however Rayo Vallecano had been capable of maintain agency for the closing exchanges.
The outcome leaves Simeone’s facet in fourth place, six factors behind league leaders Barcelona who thumped Villarreal 5-1 earlier within the day.
Empate en Vallecas. pic.twitter.com/0jB33tixR4
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 22, 2024
Knowledge Debrief: Gallagher embracing superior function
Having solely scored 10 targets in 90 appearances for Chelsea, Gallagher is flourishing below Simeone’s stewardship in Spain.
Throughout the contest, solely Koke and Alvarez (each 14) made extra passes into the ultimate third than Gallagher (11), along with his strike coming from an anticipated targets (xG) complete of simply 0.06.
However the England worldwide didn’t neglect his defensive obligations. Gallagher received extra tackles (4) than anybody on the pitch, whereas additionally successful three fouls.
