Girona 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Morata strikes to help Atletico continue their wining streak
Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 1-0 win against Girona on Monday, extending their unbeaten LaLiga run to nine matches and strengthening their hold on the third place in the standings. The late goal by Alvaro Morata in second-half stoppage time secured the win for Diego Simeone’s team.
Morata’s crucial goal was confirmed only after a lengthy video review, taking over three minutes before the striker and his teammates could celebrate. The goal was scored from close range, with Morata charging towards the far post following a corner kick cross by Antoine Griezmann from the right side.
The ball was deflected inside the area before Morata could get to it near the goalline. Although the assistant referee raised the flag for offside, the goal eventually stood after being confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Atletico Madrid Takes Three-Point Lead Over Real Sociedad
The win helped Atletico Madrid move to 48 points, taking a three-point lead over Real Sociedad in the race to finish third after the Basque side drew 1-1 with Mallorca on Sunday. Although Diego Simeone’s team is still 17 points behind league leader Barcelona and eight points behind second-placed Real Madrid, their recent strong form puts them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
Morata’s goal was his 10th in the league this season and his second in the last two games, having scored twice in Atletico’s 6-1 win over Sevilla in the previous round. The striker expressed his happiness about the goal being confirmed, stating that it was very clear to him. He also mentioned that his teammates were initially upset with him as it appeared the ball could have gone in even if he hadn’t touched it.
Atletico Madrid’s Recent Form
Atletico Madrid’s recent form has seen them celebrate their sixth win in the last eight league games, with two draws. Although they failed to score until stoppage time when Morata bundled the ball in at the far post from a corner, they managed to secure the win, which was crucial for their LaLiga campaign.
Girona suffered their second loss in a row, staying in 12th place, four points above the relegation zone. Their 36-year-old Uruguayan striker, Cristhian Stuani, came off the bench in the second half to make his 200th appearance with the Catalan club. The loss was a disappointment for the home team, who had previously lost only one of their last eight home games in LaLiga.
Upcoming Matches
Atletico Madrid’s next match is against relegation-threatened Valencia. Meanwhile, Girona will visit seventh-place Rayo Vallecano.
Atletico Madrid’s last-minute victory against Girona was crucial for their LaLiga campaign, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches and moving them three points clear of Real Sociedad in the race to finish third. Morata’s goal was significant in securing the win and further cementing his position as a key player for the team.
