La Liga Round-Up: Leaders Barca Snatch A Point Against Atletico As Real Go Second
REUTERS/Javier Barbancho
La Liga leaders Barcelona came back from behind to rescue a point against rivals Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano to drop points for the first time this season.
After Saul Niguez’s first half goal for the hosts, Luis Suarez netted the important equaliser, as Barca kept their unbeaten run in La Liga intact. After Real Madrid’s win against Getafe earlier, pressure was on both teams to make it count, and a draw for the Catalans away from home turned out to be a decent result despite not being at their best.
Barca remain on 22 points after 8 games to stay atop the Spanish League, with Atletico moving upwards to third place with 16 points in their kitty.
Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had a tremendous outing, keeping Antoine Griezmann at bay with two superb saves. He was eventually beaten by Saul with a long range effort on goal, as the Spaniard’s bright start to the season continued.
Suarez then received a delightful cross by Sergi Roberto to find the back of the net, and give Ernesto Valverde’s side a point. Barca stay 5 points clear of Real, with Los Blancos slowly picking up after an unconvincing start to the season.
REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Earlier, Real’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner to hand Zinedine Zidane’s men a win against hosts Getafe to move up to second position in La Liga. Real started the day in fifth position in the table, and now see themselves above Atletico and Sevilla.
It was Karim Benzema’s goal that gave the visitors the lead in the first half, before Jorge Molina gave Getafe hope. But with Ronaldo present, the Galacticos are always a threat, and the Portuguese scored the winner with a fine finish from Isco’s clever chipped pass to make it 2-1.
The win gave Zidane’s side their 4th victory in succession across all competitions. Ronaldo and co. next face Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday in the Champions League.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.