LaLiga: Atletico close to top-four, Betis go sixth, Cadiz struggling
Atletico Madrid are one win away from assuring a place in next season's Champions League after beating Celta Vigo 1-0 at home.
Atletico Madrid are one win away from assuring a place in next season's Champions League after beating Celta Vigo 1-0 at home.
Giuliano Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, will miss the entire season after suffering a double fracture in his left leg during a friendly game.
La Liga leaders FC Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano after another lackluster display from Xavi Hernandez's team.
Sevilla dropped to fourth after a 0-0 draw at home to Mallorca, leaving Sevilla (who visit Atletico on Sunday) with work to do to ensure a top-four finish, while Mallorca remains in the bottom three and in deep relegation trouble.
Real Madrid made seven changes to the team that defeated Manchester City on Wednesday night, and it showed, particularly in a disjointed first-half performance.
His 175th appearance in Champions League ensured that he moves past the tally of Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini who had 174 Champions League appearances against his name.
Ronaldo was substituted in Juventus's previous two games including their Champions League game at Lokomotiv Moscow with a slight knee problem.
Only a stupendous effort by home goalkeeper Jan Oblak kept Athletic from taking the lead in the second minute on a potent header from Inigo Martinez.
While the Red Devils want to include him in their team as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba, Atletico Madrid want him to add depth to their squad.
According to a report carried by Don Balon, a Spanish media outlet, Simeone rates the 21-year-old midfielder highly and wants Atletico Madrid to get him in the squad in the next summer transfer window.