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In-form Atletico scrape late win at Espanyol / Photo: Lluis GENE - AFP
In-form Atletico scrape late win at Espanyol
Alex Baena struck in the 89th minute to snatch Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at Espanyol and put pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
Diego Simeone's side, second, moved two points behind Hansi Flick's champions, who visit third-placed Real Betis later on.
Spain international Baena smashed home from the edge of the box to claim the Rojiblancos an important late victory from a tight game in Cornella.
Atletico have now won six consecutive games across all competitions.
Both sides had chances in the first half but Espanyol came closest as Leandro Cabrera struck the crossbar.
Marcos Llorente hit the same woodwork after an hour with a long-range effort for Atletico.
Espanyol brought on captain Javi Puado after a long-term knee injury, as he made his first appearance since January.
Julian Alvarez was bright for Atletico as a substitute as he continues to find his form after trying to force a move away in the summer.
Atletico have left it late several times this season to claim points and did so again here, with Baena thumping home from Alvarez's pass to earn his team's victory.
Jan Oblak made a good save in stoppage time from Pol Lozano to ensure his team kept the three points.
On Sunday Real Madrid, fourth, host Sevilla among other fixtures.
M.Schwarz--BlnAP
