(Football news) Atletico Madrid are now just 2 points behind arch rivals and defending champions Real Madrid. Los Blancos suffered their first home league defeat of the season against Villarreal. Carlo Ancelotti rested a lot of key players keeping the Chelsea game in mind. Villarreal came back from a goal down twice before eventually taking the lead. Carlo Ancelotti admitted that it is difficult for them to be 100% motivated as the League title is pretty much out of hand. Barcelona have an opportunity to go 15 points clear which means they can win the League with 5 games in hand. 

Atletico Madrid as expected started in a 3-5-2 with Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata up front. Thomas Lemar started on the bench as Diego Simeone went with a midfield trio of Rodrigo de Paul, Koke and Marcos Llorente. In the 22nd minute right back Nahuel Molina opened the scoring and 2 minutes later Mario Hermosa doubled Atletico Madrid’s lead. In the 62nd minute Rayo Vallecano were reduced down to 10 men after center back Florian Lejeune was shown a straight red card. Left back Fran Garcia gave Rayo a little hope as he scored an outrageous goal from a long way out in the 85th minute. 

Atletico Madrid managed to hold onto the lead and secure the three points. Real Madrid will be aware that Atletico Madrid are just behind them and Los Blancos would not want to finish behind them. Atletico Madrid have recovered well after a disappointing first half of the season. Diego Simeone will be looking to continue in a similar fashion and try and finish 2nd. Next season they will need a couple of good signings especially in midfield to become title contenders once again.

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