Luis Suarez Scores Incredible Late Goal To Damage Real Madrid’s Title Hopes
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Atletico Madrid took charge of La Liga's title race after a vital late goal from Luis Suarez sealed a comeback victory and denied Real Madrid top spot going into the final round of games.
In a dramatic day of La Liga action, Barcelona departed the title race altogether after a 2-1 defeat at home to Celta Vigo - despite Lionel Messi giving his side the lead.
Real Madrid looked to be primed to capitalise and take top spot after Nacho Fernandez put them 1-0 up against Athletic Bilbao - with Atletico losing at home to Osasuna as the clock ticked past 80 minutes on Sunday.
Even a draw wouldn't have been good enough for Atletico, as that would have put them level with Real (who have a superior head-to-head record) going into the final weekend. But first Renan Lodi equalised for Atletico, then Suarez rifled home Yannick Carrasco's ball into the box with just minutes left to play, giving his side a two-point cushion after 37 games.
Suarez - who was allowed to leave Barcelona in the summer - tore off his shirt and swung it in ecstasy, while his teammates piled on top of him.
At the full-time whistle, Atletico manager Diego Simeone sprinted away from the touchline, into the dressing room, punching the air while he ran.
The goal must have been an absolute sickener for city rivals Real, who looked set to go into the final game of the season with the title destiny in their own hands until Suarez Struck.
With Barca now out of the picture entirely, Atletico travel to Valladolid next Sunday, while Real Madrid go to Villarreal knowing they have to better Atletico's result.
Simeone, Suarez and co. now know a last-day win guarantees Atletico Madrid the title.
Suarez's goal was his 20th in the league this season after Atletico bought the Uruguayan for just €6 million from Barcelona.
It was the most important so far in what's been an incredibly dramatic La Liga season.
Featured image credit: Premier Sports/Twitter
Topics: Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Luis Suarez, Real Madrid, La Liga
