Atletico Madrid’s hopes of a direct Champions League last-16 spot were hit by a 1-1 draw at Galatasaray, leaving their fate partly out of their hands
ATLETICO Madrid’s hopes of securing a direct Champions League last-16 place were dented by a 1-1 draw at Galatasaray.
The result leaves Diego Simeone’s side in a precarious position in the race for a top-eight finish in the league phase.
Giuliano Simeone gave the visitors a perfect start by heading home in the fourth minute. The early goal was cancelled out after 20 minutes by an unfortunate own goal from Marcos Llorente.
Llorente later redeemed himself with a vital last-ditch interception to prevent a certain Galatasaray winner. The Spanish midfielder’s intervention saved goalkeeper Jan Oblak on his 100th Champions League appearance.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone admitted his team’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. “First, we wait to see the results — (finishing in the top eight) no longer depends only on us,” he told reporters.
Simeone praised his team’s performance but highlighted a lack of cutting edge. “I think we played a great game — we could have won it, but clinical finishing is key,” he added.
The Turkish side had chances to win, with Baris Yilmaz missing a good opportunity before half-time. Atletico also came close when Abdulkerim Bardakci cleared a David Hancko effort off the line.
Substitute Antoine Griezmann was denied by a fine save from Ugurcan Cakir late on. The Galatasaray goalkeeper also stopped Alex Baena to preserve the point for his team.
The draw leaves Galatasaray needing a result at Manchester City next week to reach the play-off round. Atletico host Bodo/Glimt in their final match, still with a chance of a top-eight finish.
