De Paul stunner fires Atletico past Celta towards top four finish

Rodrigo De Paul’s superb volley earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday to virtually guarantee Champions League football next season.

Diego Simeone’s side, fourth, move eight points clear of fifthplace Athletic Bilbao with just three games remaining.

After the Spanish King’s Cup winners drew against Osasuna on Saturday, Atletico left it late but were able to take advantage to move further clear.

De Paul struck after 84 minutes to delight fans at the Metropolitano stadium just as it seemed all the hosts’ pressure would come to nothing.

“When I’m on the edge of the box I’ve got confidence and I know I have to finish the move so there’s no counter-attack, I knew I’d hit it if it fell to me,” De Paul told DAZN.

Atletico have won 16 of 18 home matches in La Liga this season, while Simeone recorded his 400th win as coach, across all competitions.

“I’m not analysing it, I’m looking forward as I have always sought to do,” said Simeone.

“I know what I want, what I’m looking for and I am convinced of where the path is and I will continue pushing until the last day I am here.”

Even though they are set to finish in the top four, Atletico’s season is tainted by disappointment.

They reached the Spanish King’s Cup semi-finals, where they were ousted by Bilbao, and came up short against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.

“We have generated those expectations and they are welcome,” said Simeone.