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Villarreal leapfrog error-strewn Atletico

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MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s feint hopes of challenging for the La Liga title evaporated as they fell to sixth, 12 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, with a 3-0 defeat at Villarreal on Monday. The hosts capitalised on rare defensive errors from Atletico to go 2-0 up before half-time thanks to goals from Manu Trigueros and Jonathan dos Santos. Roberto Soriano secured the three points in stoppage time as victory lifts Villarreal a point above Atletico and up into fourth place. Atletico were also hit by injuries to goalkeeper Jan Oblak and midfielder Tiago as both had to be replaced before the break.


Villarreal were fresh from sealing their place in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday, where they will face Roma, and started brightly despite taking just one point from their last three La Liga matches. Stefan Savic had to head clear off his own line from a dos Santos volley after Oblak rushed from his goal to punch a dangerous cross. Atletico will rue not taking their chances to go in front as a fierce drive from Angel Correa was turned behind at his near post by Sergio Asenjo before Koke’s deflected shot from the resulting corner came back off the post.


A slack pass from Tiago to Diego Godin teed up Villarreal for the opener on 28 minutes as Trigueros latched onto the loose ball before firing low past the helpless Oblak. Tiago was replaced whilst Villarreal were still celebrating with a right knee problem. Antoine Griezmann was voted the third best player in the world for 2016 before kick-off as Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or. — AFP


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