Atletico Madrid squandered the chance to move up to fourth in La Liga as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon under new coach Javier Clemente on Sunday.
The visitors have set their goal on winning a place in the Champions League following an impressive start under coach Diego Simeone with the side unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.
Atletico striker Radamel Falcao missed the first opening inside the first five minutes when he shot straight at keeper Juan Pablo and then Diego Godin headed over from close range.
Atletico did take the lead after 20 minutes but it was through a stroke of good fortune as Adrian Lopez scuffed a shot and the ball came off Roberto Canella for an own goal.
Sporting did get back into the game through a scrappy goal from Sebastian Eguren before half time but after the break Atletico continued to waste chances with Falcao in particular guilty.
Later Sunday, Barcelona entertain third-placed Valencia looking to find a way back into the title race after Real Madrid?s 4-0 win over Racing Santander on Saturday put them 13 points clear.
Source: AFP
