Atletico lose their head against Villarreal to fall off title chase
Second-placed Atletico Madrid lost points to leaders Barcelona at the weekend as Villarreal came from behind through two late goals by Enes Unal to secure victory at the death.
Barcelona opened the gap at the top of La Liga to 11 points after Diego Simeone's side lost their heads at the Estadio de la Caramica on Sunday.
It was going so well for the 'Rojiblancos' when Antoine Griezmann put them ahead in the 20th minute, converting home a penalty to score his first goal against Villarreal in 16 attempts.
However, Enes Unal led the comeback for the home side, netting twice in the 82nd minute and injury time to secure a vital three points in the league.
Things were then compounded for Atletico when striker Vitolo was sent off shortly after Villarreal's second goal for shoving an opposing player.
The defeat pulls Simeone and his team closer to rivals Real Madrid in third, with the two clubs set to battle it out at the Bernabeu on April 8.
As for Villarreal, they recorded their second straight victory to move them into fifth with nine games remaining.
18 March 2018