MADRID (Reuters) – LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid fell to a shock 1-0 defeat on Wednesday at dwelling to basement membership Levante, who picked up solely their second win of the season.
Gonzalo Melero’s aim within the second half inflicted a sixth defeat in 10 league matches on Atletico, deepening their problems per week earlier than they host Manchester United in a Champions League last-16 first leg.
Atletico had pulled off gorgeous comeback victories at dwelling towards Valencia and Getafe within the final month and thought they’d grabbed an equaliser when Angel Correa netted with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time.
But the aim was dominated out for a foul by Jose Gimenez on Martin Caceres and Correa was proven a yellow card for his indignant response to the choice.
Levante’s Mickael Malsa nearly scored a second for the guests with a spectacular effort from close to the midway line which hit the crossbar.
Atletico then got here inside inches of snatching a last-gasp leveller when goalkeeper Jan Oblak got here up to contest a set-piece and headed simply extensive of the far publish.
Diego Simeone’s facet missed the prospect to overtake Barcelona in fourth spot and had been left fifth within the standings on 39 factors. Levante stayed backside of the desk however moved on to 14 factors, 10 from escaping the relegation zone.
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis)
