Getafe stumble raises Atletico’s Champions League chances

Atletico Madrid boosted their Champions League soccer push on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Valladolid, which moved them into third place in La Liga.

A goal from substitute Vitolo, with nine minutes remaining, gave Diego Simeone’s side the three points.

They now have 52 points and a four-point edge over Getafe in their Champions League pursuit after winning for the first time behind closed doors at their Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Vitolo had come on as a substitute after 73 minutes for Marcos Llorente and grabbed the winner with a header from a corner after Valladolid keeper Juan Antonio Caro had failed to clear.

Getafe’s hopes of finishing in La Liga’s top four took another knock as their disappointing return from the threemonth coronavirus suspension continued with a 1-1 draw at home to Eibar.

Peter Etebo’s smart finish put Getafe in front at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez before Eibar’s Charles equalised from close range on the stroke of halftime.

Eibar might even have snatched victory, only to have a late goal from Pedro Bigas ruled out for offside.

Getafe have now taken just two points from three games since the restart.

Getafe are punching above their weight towards the top of the table, having enjoyed a remarkable four years under coach Jose Bordalas.

They were only promoted to the top tier in 2017.

Earlier, Espanyol were beaten 3-1 at home by Levante.

Espanyol stay bottom, three points adrift of safety.

Athletic Bilbao climbed to ninth after Inigo Martinez’s flicked finish was enough to beat Real Betis 1-0.

Betis’ Sergio Canales missed an 85th-minute penalty in the defeat. —