Atlético Madrid saw their club record of consecutive away wins at RC Celta de Vigo ended at five as the 10-man Rojiblancos were held to a draw 1-1 at Estadio de Balaídos.
The home side came into the game as one of only two teams yet to win a LaLiga game this term, and the visit of free-scoring Atlético – who had netted 13 goals in their last three outings – appeared a daunting one.
Diego Simeone’s side rarely need help when it comes to finding the net, but that’s exactly what they had when, with only six minutes played, Pablo Barrios advanced inside the area before seeing his squared pass turned into his own net by Carl Starfelt.
The hosts responded well to this setback and were the better side for the majority of the first half. It took Atléti 34 minutes to register their first shot on target when David Hancko’s effort from the left side of the area was well saved by Ionuț Radu.
The complexion of the game changed dramatically five minutes before half time when Atlético defender Clement Lenglet was shown a second yellow card for preventing a Celta counter-attack.
With renewed belief, Os Celestes could have equalised just before half time when a cross into the area found Borja Iglesias, but his close-range effort was straight at Jan Oblak as their wait to net a first-half home goal this season goes on.
Celta were struggling to make the most of their man advantage with the Rojiblancos, who are known for their defensive strength, doing well to keep them at bay.
However, having taken until the 68th minute to record their first shot on target of the second half, the hosts made it count when the rebound of Iglesias’ close-range effort fell kindly to substitute Iago Aspas, who forced the ball in from a yard out.
Celta had scored exactly once in each of their last six league games, and unfortunately for them, this record continued as their search for a first league win of the season extended to eight matches. Despite this, Os Celestes sit 16th, two places above the relegation zone, while Atléti climb three places to fifth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marcos Alonso (RC Celta de Vigo)