Atletico Suffer Rude Defeat

The Primera Division title race took another twist on Saturday as Atletico Madrid suffered a shock defeat away to struggling Almeria.

Jose Antonio Verza curled in a stunning goal – surely meant as a cross – 10 minutes from time after Almeria’s stubborn defensive display had driven Atletico to distraction on a night of pure frustration.

And things got worse five minutes later when goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia – perhaps at fault for the opener – blundered in a big way, fluffing a back-pass and then fouling Jonathan Zongo to concede a penalty, converted by Verza, and seeing red.

The decision seemed harsh, particularly the red card, but Almeria were not complaining.

Atletico ended the night in second place in the overall standings – if only on goal difference following a big win for Real Madrid – but victory for Barcelona at Sevilla on Sunday would send Gerardo Martino’s men back to the top of the league.