Elche (AP) – Atlético Madrid has maintained its lead in the Spanish league four game days before the end of the season. Master Real Madrid also solved his compulsory task a few hours later on Saturday evening and keeps the pressure on the city rivals high if they are two points behind.
Without the spared international Toni Kroos, Los Blancos beat CA Osasuna 2-0 (0-0) at home and kept their chance of defending their title. Atlético had previously won 1-0 (1-0) at FC Elche.
The team of coach Diego Simeone won on matchday 34 of the Spanish football championship at the relegation-threatened club thanks to an early goal from Marcos Llorente and is thus on the way to the first championship title since the 2013/14 season. Atlético was lucky in stoppage time when Elches Fidel shot a penalty kick against the post (90 + 1).
A few days before the semi-final second leg in the Champions League at Chelsea, Eder Militao (76th) and Casemiro (80th) scored an important league victory for Real. Los Blancos remain second ahead of FC Barcelona, who can draw level with Los Blancos on points with a win at Valencia CF on Sunday evening.
Next Saturday, the team around superstar Lionel Messi and the German national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will have what will be the decisive duel in the title fight against leaders Atlético. The Catalans hope that coach Ronald Koeman, who was banned for two games after his red card in the 2-1 defeat by Granada CF, can also be there. Barça announced that they would appeal the suspension for the Dutchman.
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Information about the game Elche – Atlético
Communication from FC Barcelona to ban Koeman
Reals Eder Militao (r) celebrates his opening goal.
© Bernat Armangue
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