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Opinion
Alfredo RelañoReal Madrid push Atleti right to the bitter end

Real Madrid push Atleti right to the bitter end

How great are evenings like last nights? All games being staged at the same time, goals flying in across the country delivering a roller coaster of emotions with constant twists and turns! There was an 'old school' feeling about last night's round of league games with that exciting carrousel scoreboard element and I understand that with the global appeal of the modern game, kick-off times are often scheduled to cater for fans in America or Asia. These new times, on occasion fail to take into account the match-going fan but helps the league in being competitive attracting the best players but it's great every now and again to have simultaneous kick-off times which provide the level of excitement as we experienced on Sunday.

Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts to Celta's Spanish forward Santi Mina's goal during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 16, 2021. (Photo by Pau BARRENA /
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Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts to Celta's Spanish forward Santi Mina's goal during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 16, 2021. (Photo by Pau BARRENA /PAU BARRENAAFP

Twists and turns in LaLiga

Both Atlético and Real Madrid kept their momentum up as Barça floundered at Camp Nou and lost again with their recent decline starting with their unexpected home defeat to Granada. Zidane's men faced a tricky test and came through with flying colours at San Mamés in what has been a truly complicated season for the club. There was even a spell when the initiative was with them after Nacho's goal and with Atleti trailing. How they would have fancied their chances going into the last game of the campaign facing a Villarreal side with their mind on the Europa League final against Manchester United just three days later. Despite the final scores, Real Madrid are still in with a shout and are breathing down Atlético's neck going into the final round of games.

Atletico players celebrate at the end of the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and CA Osasuna at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on May 16, 2021. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)
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Atletico players celebrate at the end of the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and CA Osasuna at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on May 16, 2021. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)GABRIEL BOUYSAFP

One win from glory for Atleti

The league title is within touching distance for Simeone's men after their dramatic game at the Wanda Metropolitano where a late Luis Suárez goal secured an agonising 2-1 for Atleti. Now, Los Colchoneros have to beat Valladolid in Pucela with the home side still clinging on to remote hopes of securing top flight status next season. Outside the Metropolitano a numerous group of supporters gathered and celebrated each Atleti goal as nerves and heartbeats increased with each passing minute. Atletico's fine first half of the current season has given them some allowance in having a rather more erratic second half and despite recent twists and turns in the title race, Simeone's men are just one win away from being crowned LaLiga champions.