Atlético de Madrid in the hands of Levante, moves 6 points ahead of Real Madrid

Atlético de Madrid drew 1-1 against Levante on Wednesday in a postponed second-round Spanish league match, a result that still extended their lead over Real Madrid to six points.

In search of their first league title since 2014, Atlético still have one game less than their rival in the city. Diego Simeone’s team is undefeated in 11 consecutive league games, but has drawn two of its last three.

The match had been postponed because Atlético and other teams had additional time to rest after participating in European competitions later last season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Atlético had won nine of their last 10 league games, with the only setback coming in a 2-2 draw at home to Celta de Vigo two rounds ago in a game in which they conceded a late draw.

“He was a tough opponent who has been playing well recently,” Simeone said. “It was a fair result between two teams that played a good game.”

Levante took the lead thanks to Enis Bardhi after a breakout in the 17th minute. Marcos Llorente leveled for the visitors at 37 with a shot from outside the area that deflected a defender before entering.

Ángel Correa had a great opportunity to score the winning goal early in the second half, but missed the net from close range with only the goalkeeper to overcome the rebound of a Luis Suárez shot.

Atlético forward Saúl Ñíguez had a goal disallowed for offside near the end and Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a great save in the final minutes to maintain the level of the match.

“We had some clear chances, but we could have also lost the game at the end,” Simeone said, noting that his team needs to improve defensively after conceding eight goals in the last six games.

Levante and Atlético will meet again on Saturday in Madrid on matchday 24.

Atlético have a complicated schedule ahead, with games against Chelsea in the Champions League and against Villarreal and Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

Simeone’s team saw the return of João Félix after a positive coronavirus test, although he started on the bench. Moussa Dembélé, Thomas Lemar and Héctor Herrera were left out due to the virus. Defender José María Giménez returned to the squad after an injury.

Levante, which occupies eleventh position, have not won in their last seven league games at Atlético, with five defeats and two draws. They have not been victorious in the league since a win at Real Madrid three rounds ago, although they recently reached the semifinals of the Copa del Rey for the first time in 86 years.

Midfielder Koke Resurrección made his 484th official appearance for Atlético to overtake Tomás Reñones and become the second-most capped player in the club’s history, behind Adelardo Rodríguez’s 550.

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