La Liga 2025-26: Atletico Madrid share the spoils with Celta Vigo

Celta Vigo came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday. The visitors went ahead through Carl Starfelt's early own goal, before Clement Lenglet was sent off five minutes from break. Iago Aspas' second-half equaliser helped the hosts earn a point, while Diego Simeone's side missed out on the chance to break into the top four of Spanish top flight. 

Atletico took the lead inside the opeing six minutes when Pablo Barrios' cross met the foot of Celta defender Starfelt and went into the net. Three minutes into the half-hour mark, Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu made a stunning save to deny David Hancku from inside the box. 

But Atletico were handed a blow five minutes before half-timebe when Lenglet received a second yellow card for pulling back Ferran Jutgla. Simeone's men initially held firm but the hosts drew level in the 68th-minute. 

Aspas slotted home from close range after Borja Iglesias' initial attempt was blocked by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Meanwhile the 38-year-old goal-scorer, on the day, became Celta's joint-highest Appearance maker. 

Atletico held firm to earn draw

Celta pushed for the winner but Simeone's side held firm to earn a point away from home. "I left very happy and pleased with the effort lads put in, celebrating the great work they did," said Simeone. "We were able to play a game with one less player for 60 minutes and we responded to a huge effort everyone, which is why I left feeling so happy."

The result was Claudio Giraldez's side's sixth draw of the season as they remain the only side in the La Liga without a win, leaving them down in 16th in the standings. Atletico, meanwhile, are currently sitting at the fifth spot in the table, having collected 13 points from eight matches, just two adrift of the top four.

Simeone's side will next play host to Osasuna on October 18 after the international break. Celta, on the other hand, will welcome Real Sociedad, a day later.