Losing to the second-to-last team, Atletico's hope of chasing Barca is fading

Coach Diego Simeone's team unexpectedly lost 1-2 to Sporting Gijon in the away match of round 30 of La Liga.

The joy of Sporting Gijon players scoring a goal. Photo: Reuters

Goals: Sanabria 79', Carlos Castro 89' - Griezmann 29'

Coming back from their Champions League last-16 win, Atletico kept their focus as they opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a beautiful free kick from Antoine Griezmann. The surprise only happened in the last 15 minutes, when Sporting Gijon created some incredible chances. The home team equalized 1-1 with another free kick, except that Sanabria's ball hit a defender and changed direction, leaving goalkeeper Oblak helpless. In the 89th minute, Carlos Castro easily tapped the ball in to seal the surprise victory.

Before becoming a hero, Castro almost became a villain for Sporting Gijon fans due to a missed opportunity in front of an empty goal. The striker shot the ball against the crossbar after a teammate's perfect pass in the 86th minute. Luckily for Castro, Sporting Gijon found another gap in Atletico's defense to counterattack, thereby creating another perfect cross leading to the victory.

With a 30th-minute loss in La Liga, Atletico could fall 11 points behind Barca. In the match later on the evening of March 20, the leading team will visit Villarreal.

Losing to Sporting Gijon also means Atletico missed a chance to close the gap on Barca. After an away trip to fourth-placed Villarreal, Luis Enrique's side return to their home stadium to take on Real Madrid. If Barca drop points in these two crucial games, they could find themselves under pressure from Atletico in the title race.

Atletico wasted the chance to win after Griezmann's beautiful opening goal.

Meanwhile, a 2-1 win over Atletico boosts Sporting Gijon's chances of staying in the top flight. The team is still second to last after round 30, with 27 points, but is only one point behind the three teams above them. Sporting Gijon can just overcome one of these three opponents in the final eight rounds to stay in La Liga next season.

According to VNE