Atletico Madrid and FC Getafe drew 3-3 after a fast-paced game. The Colchoneros looked like certain winners for a long time despite being outnumbered before Getafe struck twice late on.
Atletico Madrid, La Liga’s strongest team at home, welcomed FC Getafe. The Colchoneros have won all eight games at home. Over the course of the season, they have not dropped a point in 20 competitive matches. The last time they dropped points at home was against Getafe in a 1-1 draw at the beginning of February.
Diego Simeone made four changes to his team following the 2-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao. Savic, Riquelme, de Paul and Depay started in place of Söyüncü, Saul Niguez, Molina and Morata. On the other hand, Getafe coach José Bordalas only made one change to his starting line-up compared to the 3-0 away win in Sevilla. Domingos Duarte replaced Djené in central defense
Riquelme hits the crossbar
The visitors started under pressure and disrupted Madrid’s build-up play. It took until the 10th minute for Atletico to get a foothold in the game. Riquelme hit the crossbar with his shot from a half-right position. At the other end, Greenwood shot over Oblak’s crossbar after a fine one-two with ex-Wolfsburg player Mayoral (19′).
Madrid were now better in the game and kept looking for the quick attacking players with vertical passes, but the coordination was often lacking against a resolutely defending visitors. Diego Simeone’s team were offside seven times in the first half. Depay had the next good opportunity on the half-hour mark, but the Dutchman’s shot from the penalty spot was saved by David Sorina
Savic sees yellow – Mayoral counters Griezmann
After Savic had already been cautioned in the 15th minute, he was clearly too late in a tackle on Mata, was shown the yellow card and had to go to the showers early (38′). Atletico shrugged off this bitter blow and took the lead through Griezmann (44′). Riquelme made a good run down the right and fed Griezmann, who was free in the middle and scored his tenth goal of the season from seven meters out. Getafe did little offensively in the first half and Atletico took the lead into the break.
Just like in the first half, Getafe began the second half under pressure and had their first good opportunity through Latasa (47′). Six minutes later, the visitors were able to capitalize on their superior numbers. Mayoral headed home the equalizer after a fine assist from Greenwood and a poor save from Oblak.
Atletico turn up the heat – Griezmann new record goalscorer
Atletico then took control of the game again and regained the lead through substitute Morata (63′). The striker headed home from close range after a fine assist from Llorente. Six minutes later, Griezmann narrowly beat Getafe keeper David Soriaono from the penalty spot. Damian had caught Hermoso in the face with his hand in the penalty area.
The brace made Griezmann the Colchoneros’ record goalscorer with 173 goals in 363 games. Despite being short-handed, the game seemed to be decided, but Getafe refused to give up and repeatedly created dangerous chances in front of the home side’s goal thanks to a Milla shot (72′) and two good opportunities from Latasa (78′ and 80′).
Oscar scores – Getafe equalize late on
Substitute Oscar finally got Getafe back into the game. With a fine move, he skipped past three opponents and scored with a deflected shot from 14 meters. Events then came thick and fast in stoppage time. Damian hit Riquelme on the arm with a cross – penalty. Mayoral stepped up to the spot and converted with ice-cold precision. The striker now accounts for half of Getafe’s goals (twelve strikes).
Getafe threw everything forward and even had the chance to win through two shots from distance by Oscar. But the Joker’s shot went just over the crossbar once (90.+8) and then Oblak reacted superbly (90.+10).
And so Getafe and Atletico share the points, as they did in February, and the Colchoneros’ home winning streak is broken. However, the point win means Atletico still overtake Barcelona and are third. In the new year, Getafe will host Rayo Vallecano at home on January 2 (5 p.m.). Atletico host FC Girona a day later (9.30pm).
