MADRID: Julian Alvarez scored twice as Atletico Madrid came from behind to thrash city rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a pulsating derby on Saturday that handed the LaLiga leaders their first loss after a perfect start to the season.
The thrilling encounter at a raucous Metropolitano stadium, with nearly 70,000 fans on the edge of their seats, saw Atletico fight back from 2-1 down to claim a memorable victory that lifted them to fourth place with 12 points. Real Madrid remain atop LaLiga on 18 points, two ahead of Barcelona who have a game in hand.
Atletico’s aggressive start paid off when Robin Le Normand opened the scoring with a header in the 14th minute, but Kylian Mbappe burst through to level with an unstoppable strike from close range in a quick counter in the 25th minute, with Arda Guller netting a volley from a Vinicius Jr cross 11 minutes later to put the visitors in front.
Alexander Sorloth’s header in added time before the break gave Atletico a boost and they regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Alvarez converted a penalty after Guler’s high boot clipped rival Nico Gonzalez on the face inside the box.
After Alvarez extended their lead in the 64th minute with a sublime free kick into the top corner, substitute Antoine Griezmann sealed the win in a quick counter in added time.
Alvarez double sparks Atletico comeback to stun leaders Real Madrid 5-2
https://arab.news/jsddn
Alvarez double sparks Atletico comeback to stun leaders Real Madrid 5-2
- Atletico’s aggressive start paid off when Robin Le Normand opened the scoring with a header
- Alexander Sorloth’s header in added time before the break gave Atletico a boost
PSG penalty hero Safonov out until next year with broken hand
- The Russian saved four penalties in a shootout in Qatar on Wednesday
- “Matvei Safonov has suffered a fracture to his left hand following the match against Flamengo,” the club said
POISSY, France: Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, the star of Paris Saint-Germain’s Intercontinental Cup win, has a fracture in his left hand the club said on Friday.
The Russian saved four penalties in a shootout in Qatar on Wednesday as PSG edged Brazilians Flamengo to lift another trophy.
“Matvei Safonov has suffered a fracture to his left hand following the match against Flamengo,” the club said in a statement. “A further update will be provided in three to four weeks.”
The announcement came on the eve of the trip to face fifth-tier Vendee Fontenay in the French Cup. Either nominal number one Lucas Chevalier or third-choice Renato Marin will be in goal.
The injury ends, for now, a potential debate over who should start in goal for the European champions.
The 26-year-old Safonov started the season as the number two but match-winning exploits in Qatar followed several impressive displays standing in for Chevalier, who injured his ankle at the end of November after a shaky start to the season.
Chevalier, who turned 24 in November, was acquired in the summer because coach Luis Enrique liked his footwork with the ball but he has sometimes looked less reliable stopping shots.
