Celta put a halt to Atletico’s winning run

Madrid, Feb 8 (efe-epa).- Celta Vigo equalized in the 89th minute here Monday to bring Atletico Madrid’s winning streak to an end after eight matches.

While the 2-2 result leaves the Colchoneros 8 points clear at the top of LaLiga with a game in hand on both Barcelona and Real Madrid, they will be disappointed to have dropped points at the Wanda Metropolitan against the 10th-place side from Vigo.

Celta, who would end the contest with 55 percent possession, started well and deserved to take the lead in the 13th minute, when a cross from Hugo Mallo found Santi Mina unmarked in front of Jan Oblak’s goal.

It was the third time in four games that Atleti conceded first, reflecting a deterioration that has seen them give up nine goals in their last 10 after allowing just two in the opening 10 contests.

The hosts pulled level in the final minute of the first half thanks to Luis Suarez, who converted a perfect pass from Marcos Llorente.

VAR confirmed that the Uruguayan was onside, if only just, and the goal stood.

Suarez made it 2-1 five minutes into the second half with his 16th goal in 17 LaLiga matches since joining Atletico from Barcelona just before the start of the season.

The play began with a deep ball from Geoffrey Kondogbia to Renan Lodi, who crossed to Sanchez in the box.

A timely block by Kongdobia stopped Iago Aspas from answering for Celta in the 56th minute, but Facundo Ferreyra, who came on with 15 minutes left in place of Mina, slipped the ball past Llorente and Atleti keeper Jan Oblak in the 89th minute to steal a point for the visitors. EFE id/dr