Atletico Madrid Turned down the chance to level up with real madrid from two penalties on Thursday, the second in the 89th minute, after a 2-2 draw at Levante. Atlético took the lead twice at the City of Valencia Stadium as Antoine Griezmann sealed the scoring before Matheus Cunha’s first goal for the club. But each time Levante, who sits on the second floor, retreated from the spot after a foul from Luis Suarez and then a late handball by Rennon Lodi allowed Ennis Bardhi to convert from 12 yards. “The reality is that we have to improve and hurry,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.
Atlético took a five-point lead over early leaders Real Sociedad, who had previously returned to the top of the table after a 2–0 win at Celta Vigo.
Goals from Alexander Isaacs and Aritz Alustondo in the second half were enough for La Real, who have not lost since their 4-2 loss to Barcelona on the opening day of the season.
Simeone said before the game that he was “worried but busy”, trying to correct his team’s unexpected fragility in defence, the game scoring seven goals in the last three games.
Atlético have won only one of their last four league matches, against Barcelona, after a surprise defeat by Alves and draws with Real Sociedad and now Levante.
Luis Suárez, Griezmann and Joo Felix again started together in the front three and it is possible that the combination of the trio’s talent in attack is coming at the expense of the team’s strength.
Atletico face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday in a crunch game in Champions League Group B and are likely to be penalized again if they fail to tighten up against Mohamed Salah.
Griezmann’s opener came in the 12th minute when his corner went to him on the left side of the penalty area. Griezmann hung a cross on the opposite post and Felipe’s floating header again found the Frenchman, who nodded.
Levante equalized shortly before half-time when Suarez got past Rubén Vezzo and Berhadi made no mistake.
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Cunha, who joined Hertha Berlin in the summer, must have thought he scored the winner 14 minutes from the end when he was brilliantly slashed and eliminated by Rodrigo de Paul.
But Levante came again, a Jose Luis Morales cross into Lodi’s hand at point-blank range, prompting referee Pablo González to consult replays and fined. Bardhi got the corner.
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