Atletico need VAR
> Late Godin winner downs Bilbao
DIEGO GODIN scored a 91st-minute winner as Atletico Madrid twice came from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in La Liga yesterday.
Godin’s close-range finish was initially ruled out for offside at the Wanda Metropolitano but referee Jose Sanchez overturned the decision after consulting his video assistant referee.
It proved a dramatic finale to a pulsating encounter, which Bilbao twice led thanks to two goals from Inaki Williams. A stunning long-range strike from Thomas Partey and Rodrigo’s header 10 minutes from time, however, pulled Atletico level, before Godin snatched all three points.
Victory means Diego Simeone’s side move to within a point of Barcelona, who play at home to Real Betis on Sunday. Bilbao remain 17th, without a win since the opening day of the season.
That run has, however, included draws against both Barca and Real Madrid, and for much of this contest they were the better side too.
But after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, Atletico sustained momentum with a result made all the more impressive by their lengthy list of absentees.
Godin and Diego Costa both returned from injury but 19-year-old Francisco Montero had to play alongside Godin in central defence, with Luis Hernandez, Jose Gimenez and Stefan Savic all out, along with Thomas Lemar and Koke in midfield.
Atletico started brightly enough as Antoine Griezmann picked out Filipe Luis at the back post and then nipped in behind but Bilbao never looked uncomfortable.
They grew into the game. Susaeta fired wide, after Rodrigo carelessly conceded possession, and then instigated the goal, darting free of the sleeping Luis.
Susaeta squared for Mikel San Jose, whose first-time shot was brilliantly clawed onto the post by Jan Oblak. But the ball rolled agonisingly across the line, where
Williams was perfectly placed.
It was the first league goal Atletico had conceded in a first half this season and there were whistles as the players departed at the interval.
Frustration grew, but Bilbao should have doubled their lead shortly before the hour. Instead, Williams shot straight at Oblak from eight yards.
They would pay for it within a matter of minutes, Thomas unleashing a booming effort from range that flew past Iago Herrerin and into the corner.
Level in the 61st minute, Atletico were behind again in the 64th as one pass sent the speedy Williams clear. Godin clambered at the striker’s heels but could not recover. Williams slid in his second.
Atletico pushed again and Bilbao never looked secure sitting back. It was a simple corner this time, delivered by Thomas and glanced inside the far post by the head of Rodrigo.
There were 10 minutes left for either side to find a winner and it was Atleti that snatched it. Saul kept the ball alive at the back post, Griezmann flicked it towards goal and Godin poked over the line.
The celebrations were halted by the linesman’s flag. But only temporarily. – AFP