Madrid (AFP)

Leader of the Spanish league, Atlético Madrid conceded at home their second loss of the season in La Liga against Levante 2-0 on Saturday for Matchday 24, a regrettable failure three days away from facing Chelsea in the round of 16 first leg of C1.

The Colchoneros folded on a strike from Levante captain José Luis Morales deflected by Felipe (30th) then a second achievement in the empty goal of Jorge De Frutos (90th + 5), and thus offer a chance to Real Madrid, who move in Valladolid in the evening (9:00 p.m. local, 8:00 p.m. GMT), to approach three points from them at the top of the standings.

Despite the return of several executives who were absent due to the Covid-19 (Joao Felix as holder, Moussa Dembélé and Thomas Lemar on the bench), Atlético conceded their first defeat of the season at home in La Liga, and put a end to his good series of eleven consecutive games without defeat in the league (his last defeat was in the Madrid derby against Real, on December 12, 2-0).

In its last four matches, since the beginning of February, Atlético has compiled 2 draws, 1 loss and 1 victory.

The ultra-offensive pattern sketched by coach Diego Simeone managed to create many chances, especially in the second period, and totaled 28 strikes against 5 for Levante ... but Atlético did not transform any.

And conversely, it is defense, yet Atlético's trademark for nearly a decade, which has been a problem for several matches.

Despite a mixed performance, Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar, important parts of the Simeone device, were able to pick up the pace before the round of 16 first leg of the primordial Champions League against Chelsea on Tuesday evening (9:00 p.m.) in Bucharest.

And Moussa Dembélé, transferred from Lyon to Madrid in January, was able to play his first minutes under the colors "rojiblanco", replacing captain Koke (74th).

Three days after having already managed to put the leader in difficulty on Tuesday in a late match of the 2nd day of La Liga (1-1), Levante managed to hang a prestigious success, and thus goes back to 8th place, 5 points behind qualifying places for the Europa League.

Earlier today, Elche won 1-0 at home against Eibar, in this decisive game in the fight for maintenance.

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