Led 2-0 at the break after two goals from Yunus Musah (25th) and Hugo Duro (44th), the reigning Spanish champions managed a hell of a second-half victory.

The joy of the Valencia players, after the 2nd goal scored against Atlético Madrid, by striker Hugo Duro, during the 22nd day of LaLiga, January 22, 2022 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP

Matheus Cunha first reduced the gap in the 63rd, then Angel Correa, well placed after a ball released by Jaume Domenech in the 90th + 1, managed to equalize at 2-2, and the rojiblanco savior was Mario Hermoso, lonely at the far post to smash the winning goal in the 90th +3.

An unexpected success which once again proves the immutable mental resources of this Atlético Madrid led by its coach-totem Diego Simeone, but which does not hide the ills of a sick title candidate.

Atlético Madrid coach, Argentinian Diego Simeone, during the match of the 22nd day of LaLiga against Valencia, January 22, 2022 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP

After being eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening on the lawn of Real Sociedad (2-0) and in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup last week by Athletic Bilbao (2-1 ), the Rojiblancos have raised their head in the league.

But the defense remains the big black spot of this Atlético roller coaster: the two goals conceded in the first period which are symptomatic of a sick defense.

This season, Atlético have conceded 26 goals in 21 league matches, despite only seeing their nets shake 25 times in the whole of last season!

Seville marks time

And in addition to the defense, Saturday evening, the attack of "Atléti" remained broken down for a long time: the Uruguayan "Pistolero" Luis Suarez missed a big opportunity to equalize, alone in the area in the 80th, and Jaume Domenech deflected a low shot from Yannick Carrasco with his fingertips.

And despite the victory, Simeone must undoubtedly still mourn the absence of Antoine Griezmann, victim of a relapse of his right thigh injury in December and who should return to play in early February.

But the cards will be reshuffled for the reigning Spanish champion the next day: Simeone and his family will travel to Camp Nou for a shock against FC Barcelona, ​​also sick, but in search of a second wind.

Earlier in the day, Villarreal banged their fists on the table at home, with a 3-0 draw against promoted Mallorca.

Unai Emery's men have thus temporarily moved up into the qualifying places for Europe (6th with 32 points), and the Mallorcans are flirting with the red zone, two points ahead of the first relegation player, Cadiz (18 points).

The joy of the Sevilla FC midfielder, after equalizing at home against Celta Vigo, during the 22nd day of LaLiga, on January 22, 2022 at the Ramon Sanchez Stadium CRISTINA QUICLER AFP

Sevilla FC, the only ones who managed to keep up with the frantic pace set by Real Madrid in the standings, were beaten 2-2 at home by Celta Vigo.

Julen Lopetegui's men were down 2-0, but managed to score two goals in five minutes (71st, 74th), to grab the draw and stay three lengths behind Real, who travel to Elche on Sunday.

© 2022 AFP