Jan Oblak's own goal gave the lead to Getafe before Carles Alena was sent off for a studs-up foul and then Luis Suarez scored a late brace to seal the win for Atletico Madrid.
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Luiz Suarez scored a late double as Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Getafe 2-1 on Tuesday at the ongoing season of La Liga. The game started off as a lackluster performance from the defending champions as the home side took the lead through Jan Oblak’s own goal on the stroke of half-time. But the host’s handed the advantage to Diego Simeone’s side after Carles Alena was sent off for a red card offence. The win helped Atletico to top of the table and take a one point lead over Real Madrid, who will host Mallorca on Wednesday.
Getafe were clearly the better side in the first half and created better chances. On the half-hour mark, Atletico custodian Oblak was forced to make a low diving save to his left to deny Jaime Mata from inside the box. Meanwhile at the other end, Suarez tested David Soria with a half-volley and then the rebound was ballooned by Angel Correa.
Just before the break, Stefan Mitrovic’s powerful header from Nemanja Maksimovic’ cross deflected off the post and hit Oblak’s hand before going over the line. The home side deserved the goal.
After the break, Atletico returned with a bit more intent. Antoine Griezmann’s long ranger went inches above the crossbar. The home side was pushed to the back-foot as Simeone’s men pushed hard for the equalizer.
In the 74th minute, former Barcelona midfielder Alena was shown a red card for a poor studs-up challenge on Matheus Cunha, after VAR intervention. Atletico sensed an opportunity against the 10-man Getafe and equalized within four minutes of the red card incident. Suarez collected Mario Hermoso’s long pass inside the box and then slotted it past David Soria with his left foot.
Then with the clock ticking 90 minutes the Uruguayan completed the comeback with a close range header from right-back Sime Vrsaljko’s cross.
It was the 34-year-old’s 24th goal for Atletico in 45 appearances since joining them from Barcelona for a free transfer. The win helps Simeone’s side to 14 points from 6 games whereas Getafe’s poor start to the season continues as they are still to register a point, having lost six opening games.
In the other match of the day, Rayo Vallecano edged past Athletic Bilbao courtesy of Radamel Falcao’s stoppage time winner. The game was tied at 1-1 after Alvaro Rivera’s opening goal for Athletico was canceled out by Pathe Ciss’ own goal. But then the veteran Colombian once again came off the bench to score his second goal for his newly signed club.
The 35-year-old who had joined the club this summer scored his first goal after coming off the bench against Getafe last Saturday.
Celta Vigo won 2-0 at Levante for its first win of the season. Iago Aspas scored the first goal in the 66th minute before Brais Mendez sealed the victory with the second in the 85th minute.
Roger Marti missed a 71st minute penalty for Levante, who are yet to register a win this season. They have lost twice and drawn four games.
