Yamal and Roberto save Barça in 2-2 draw with Granada, Greizmann scores late penalty in Atlético’s 2-1 win over Sociedad

Author: Amrit Santlani

After La Liga leaders Real Madrid thrashed Osasuna 4-0, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid were in action on Sunday night. The reigning champions drew 2-2 with Granada, with Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto saving the visitors after two first-half goals from Brian Zaragoza. Diego Simeone’s side hosted Real Sociedad and Atlético Madrid won 2-1 thanks to goals from Brazilian defender Samuel Lino and Antoine Griezmann. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a consolation goal for La Real.

Granada – Barcelona – 2:2

Xavi’s side traveled to Los Cármenes with the aim of maintaining Madrid’s momentum. However, the Catalans were denied an early goal by Zaragoza, who scored just 16 seconds after the restart. Twenty-nine minutes later, Granada doubled their lead with another well-taken goal, while Zaragoza added to his tally.

Just before half-time, Yamal scored Barcelona’s first goal after an excellent dribble from João Félix during the move. Ronald Araujo shot wide as Barça continued to try to level the game. In the 85th minute, Sergi Roberto managed to restore balance to the scoreboard. The ending wasn’t boring. The referee disallowed two Barcelona goals (87th and 93rd minutes) for offside. Between those events, Zaragoza could have scored three goals, but hit the post.

Atlético – Real Sociedad – 2:1

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid hosted Sociedad at the Wanda Metropolitano and Mario Hermoso almost scored an own goal 30 seconds after kick-off, but the play was disallowed for offside. Brazilian full-back Lino opened the scoring after receiving a long ball from Axel Witsel, which he finished perfectly at the back post.

Oyarzabal tried to head over after Rodrigo de Paul had hit the post with a shot from near the edge of the box. Oyarzabal also hit the post with a wonderful turn and finish, but La Real were unlucky. The Spaniard ended up scoring the equalizer after a quick counter-attack by the visitors.

To the dismay of the traveling fans, Atlético were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute, which was duly converted by Griezmann and secured the three points for the hosts.

Brazilian full-back Lino scored the opening goal and was excellent throughout the game before being substituted in the 79th minute.