Atletico Madrid’s top eight hopes suffered after a 1-1 Champions League draw with Galatasaray, sealed by a Marcos Llorente own goal.
Atletico Madrid missed a chance to secure a Champions League top eight place after drawing 1-1 with Galatasaray at RAMS Park. Diego Simeone’s side struck early but failed to protect their lead. A costly Marcos Llorente own goal shifted the momentum. The result leaves qualification firmly in Atletico’s hands, but with little margin for error.
The visitors opened the scoring inside four minutes despite a hostile atmosphere. Matteo Ruggeri advanced down the left after Davinson Sanchez misjudged a clearance. His cross found Giuliano Simeone, who headed home from close range. The goal stunned the home crowd and settled Atletico quickly.
Galatasaray responded with urgency and higher energy. Roland Sallai drove down the right and fired a low ball into the box. Llorente, facing his own goal and under minimal pressure, slid the ball past Jan Oblak. The equaliser came after 20 minutes and lifted the stadium.
The home side grew in confidence after the goal. Baris Alper Yilmaz found space but failed to test Oblak. Atletico remained composed but struggled to regain control. The match reached half time level, with both teams sensing opportunity.
Atletico dominated possession in the second half and pushed Galatasaray deeper. Julian Alvarez had several efforts but could not beat Ugurcan Cakir. Alexander Sorloth shot over from a promising position. David Hancko saw a goalbound effort cleared off the line by Abdulkerim Bardakci.
Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to add creativity. His late free kick was pushed away by Cakir at full stretch. Atletico continued to press but lacked sharpness in the final third. Galatasaray defended with discipline and waited for counter chances.
Giuliano Simeone was lively and took his goal well. Ruggeri provided energy down the left flank. For Galatasaray, Cakir produced key saves late on. Sallai caused problems throughout with his direct running.
Llorente endured a difficult night but recovered defensively late on. Oblak made an important stop in stoppage time to deny Gabriel Sara. Both teams showed composure under pressure. Neither side could find the decisive touch.
Atletico recorded 15 shots and an expected goals figure of 1.43. Galatasaray produced seven attempts with an xG of 0.50. Alvarez registered four shots but extended his goal drought to seven games. The Spanish side-controlled territory but lacked efficiency.
The draw leaves Atletico on 13 points from seven matches. They sit just inside the top eight but could still slip depending on results. Galatasaray move to 10 points and remain in playoff contention. The table remains congested heading into the final round.
Atletico host Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt next Wednesday knowing a win secures a place in the last 16. Any dropped points could open the door for rivals. Galatasaray travel to Manchester City for their final league stage match. They likely need a result to guarantee a playoff place. Both sides face decisive nights ahead in a tightly packed competition.
