Atletico Madrid’s bid to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage took a hit on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw at Galatasaray in Istanbul.
The point leaves Atletico provisionally in eighth place, but the three-time runners-up now face a tricky path to progress directly to the last 16.
Giuliano Simeone gave the visitors a dream start, nodding home Matteo Ruggeri’s cross in the fourth minute, but Marcos Llorente’s own goal leveled the score for Galatasaray 20 minutes later. The Spain international later redeemed himself with a crucial interception that prevented defeat.
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Galatasaray threatened to seize the lead before halftime, as Baris Yilmaz missed a clear chance, shooting over the bar. Atletico also came close to regaining the advantage around the hour mark when Abdulkerim Bardakci cleared David Hancko’s effort off the line.
Coach Diego Simeone made a tactical change, replacing Sorloth with French veteran Antoine Griezmann while keeping Julian Alvarez on the field despite his recent goal drought. Alvarez, who has scored just once in his last 10 matches, showed more attacking intent against the Turkish side.
Late in the game, Griezmann’s free-kick was tipped over by Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, who also denied Alex Baena shortly after. Galatasaray nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time, but Llorente intercepted a threatening strike from Eren Elmali.
The draw leaves Galatasaray with a challenging trip to Manchester City in their final group match, while Atletico host Bodo/Glimt, still keeping a chance to secure a top-eight spot in the league phase.
