Atléti Close In On UCL Spot With Emphatic Valladolid Win

Written by Patrick Echatah

On the strength of a 5-2 La Liga victory at Real Valladolid, Atlético Madrid are still on pace to clinch a Champions League qualifying spot.

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As their final place nears confirmation in the final stretch, Los Rojiblancos finish the weekend with a 13-point lead within the top four.

The Estadio Jose Zorrilla saw a dominant start from Diego Simeone’s team, who went up 3-0 thanks to goals from Nahuel Molina and Jose Gimenez, two defenders.

Before halftime, Cyle Larin’s penalty kick brought the home team back into the game, and Sergio Escudero’s header set up a tense finish.

Joaquin Fernandez’s unfortunate own goal saved the visitors from any late drama, but Memphis Depay then tiptoed through to score the away team’s fifth goal.

As Simeone’s charges host Cadiz in midweek action in Madrid, Atlético Madrid now only needs six more league points to secure their spot inside the top four this season.

Meanwhile…

Atlético Madrid are hoping to beat Premier League competition to the signing of Mallorca’s fiery winger Lee Kang-In this summer, according to a new report from Relevo.

Matteo Moretto says the potential transfer is “simmering,” and Atlético believe the time is now to acquire a player in whom there has been long-standing interest. Per Moretto:

In January, the Colchoneros made an offer for Lee that Mallorca rejected. Los Bermellones responded to the offer by saying “He’s not leaving now, we’ll see in June.” Mallorca considered the Asian talent too important to the team’s dynamics and needed him to be able to achieve certain objectives.

(footballespana)

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