Atletico have won six consecutive games across all competitions. Diego Simeone’s side, second, moved two points behind Hansi Flick’s champions, who visit third-placed Real Betis later on. Spain international Baena smashed home from the edge of the box to claim the Rojiblancos an important late victory from a tight game in Cornella.
Alex Baena struck in the 89th minute to snatch Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at Espanyol and put pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
Alex Baena struck in the 89th minute to snatch Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at Espanyol and put pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
“The good thing this team has is that it keeps believing until the 90th minute. Baena, who struggled last season but has been in fine fettle since winning the World Cup with Spain this summer, hugged coach Simeone after finding the net. “The World Cup took him to a different place, he sees football differently than others and (now) he’s more confident and stronger, he’s the player we went looking for. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a good save in stoppage time from Pol Lozano to ensure his team kept the three points.
“They had a good game defensively and it was hard for us,” Baena told DAZN. “He’s a player who can do a lot of damage, who is in very good form,” Simeone told DAZN after Baena’s fifth league goal of the season.
