A disastrous month of December, with four defeats from four league games, had plunged Atlético Madrid’s hopes of a new league title considerably.
After a draw and a win in January, the Madrilenians hoped, with Carrasco in the base, to also pick up points against Valencia. However, the home side started dramatically. The very young Musah gave Valencia the lead after 24 minutes with his first of the season. Duro widened that lead just before half-time.
Atlético faced a gigantic task, but remained combative. Cunha provided the connecting goal on a corner from Carrasco just after the hour. Atlético had smelled blood and went looking for more, but seemed unable to find Valencia’s target.
Until minute 90. First, after a good action by Carrasco, Correa was able to push a boxed ball into the goal. Simeone was already going crazy, but the best was yet to come. A few minutes later, Hermoso completely caused the delirium by tapping in the 3-2 after a wonderful combination.
In the closing minutes of the game (there were 11 minutes extra!) there was a fire here and there on the field, with another red card for an assistant on the Atlético bench. But nothing changed about the position.
Atlético take a sensational win against Valencia and tighten their grip on the Champions League tickets in Spain. Leader Real Madrid is just within sight, although the gap of 13 points for Atlético is almost unbridgeable. You never know in football.
