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Suarez double fires Atletico seven points clear
MADRID, Jan 22, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Eibar goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic scored a
penalty against Atletico Madrid on Thursday but a brace from Luis Suarez saw
the La Liga leaders come from behind to win 2-1 at Ipurua.
Dmitrovic drove an early spot-kick past fellow goalkeeper Jan Oblak, only
for Suarez to inspire the comeback, his second also a penalty which he earned
himself and then converted in the 89th minute.
Another late victory for Atletico means they pull seven points clear of
second-placed Real Madrid and 10 ahead of third-placed Barcelona, with
another game in hand over both still to come.
Dmitrovic said he was nominated as Eibar’s penalty taker by coach Jose Luis
Mendilibar.
“The idea that I would take it came from Mendilibar — it was my turn
today, but it’s a shame because it hasn’t been of any use,” Dmitrovic said.
“He took it because the others have missed,” said Mendilibar. “He will keep
taking them until he misses, that’s the rule.”
Suarez, meanwhile, moves level with Lionel Messi at the top of La Liga’s
scoring charts on 11 goals, the Uruguayan increasingly looking like a player
that can lead his side to the title.
He had Marcos Llorente’s pressing to thank for his equaliser but the second
was almost entirely down to him, the 33-year-old chasing down a long punt
downfield before tumbling over following a clumsy swing of the leg by Anaitz
Arbilla.
Suarez chipped the penalty coolly down the middle.
“He takes responsibility,” said Diego Simeone. “He never leaves the game,
he always plays with that intelligence that he has.”
“He is extraordinary,” Simeone added. “We’re glad he is with us.”
Atletico were the victims of an upset in the Copa del Rey a fortnight ago
when they lost to third-tier side Cornella, whose spirited run came to an end
at the hands of Barcelona on Thursday.
Atletico’s defeat by Cornella could have jolted their momentum. Instead
they have responded with two wins in the league, against Sevilla and now
Eibar, who stay 15th.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0939 hrs