Atletico Madrid’s difficult start to the season continued on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Mallorca in La Liga. Despite taking the lead, Diego Simeone’s side was unable to secure the win, with striker Julian Alvarez missing a penalty in the first half.
Atletico had a challenging evening, finishing the match with 10 men after Alexander Sorloth was shown a red card. Conor Gallagher had put the visitors ahead, but Mallorca equalized in the 85th minute through Vedat Muriqi, leaving Atletico languishing in 12th place, having won just one of their first five league games.
The match came just days after a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, and Atletico were eager to bounce back in the Spanish top flight. Simeone welcomed Alvarez back from injury, pairing him with Giacomo Raspadori in attack, with Antoine Griezmann and Sorloth starting on the bench.
Atletico began the match brightly, and Mallorca were grateful to goalkeeper Leo Roman and the woodwork for keeping them in the game. Pablo Barrios had a powerful long-range strike that Roman tipped onto the post, while Alvarez saw his penalty saved after Antonio Raillo was penalized for handling David Hancko’s shot.
Roman continued to frustrate the visitors with a fantastic stop to deny Alvarez from close range early in the second half. However, Atletico’s task became more difficult when Sorloth was sent off in the 72nd minute for a reckless challenge on Raillo. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Atletico took the lead just moments later.
Marcos Llorente’s low shot was parried by Roman, but Gallagher was quick to react, pouncing on the rebound to give Atletico the lead.
But just as it seemed they might hold on, Mallorca responded with an equalizer. Muriqi rose highest to head home Jan Virgili’s cross in the 85th minute, securing a share of the spoils for the hosts.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak was called into action to deny former Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre’s curling effort late on, as Mallorca, who remain in 19th place, pushed for a late winner but were unable to find it.
The draw leaves Atletico Madrid with much to ponder as they struggle to find their form in both domestic and European competitions.
AFP
