Atletico Madrid lost early ground to Barcelona in their quest for the LaLiga title as they were held to a 1-1 draw with city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Match Report
The visitors withstood an early spell of pressure and almost took the lead in stunning fashion when Julian Alvarez's strike from distance cannoned off the crossbar.
But Diego Simeone's side found themselves a goal down in the 35th minute when Isi Palazon turned home Raul de Tomas' cross after good work from Jorge de Frutos.
However, parity was restored four minutes after the break when Conor Gallagher struck beyond Augusto Batalla from the edge of the area to net his second goal in as many games for his new club.
Atletico continued to push for a winner, with Alvarez and Angel Correa going close, but Rayo Vallecano were able to hold firm for the closing exchanges.
The result leaves Simeone's side in fourth place, six points behind league leaders Barcelona who thumped Villarreal 5-1 earlier in the day.
Data Debrief: Gallagher embracing advanced role
Having only scored 10 goals in 90 appearances for Chelsea, Gallagher is flourishing under Simeone's stewardship in Spain.
During the contest, only Koke and Alvarez (both 14) made more passes into the final third than Gallagher (11), with his strike coming from an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.06.
But the England international did not neglect his defensive responsibilities. Gallagher won more tackles (four) than anyone on the pitch, while also winning three fouls.
Line-ups
Vallecano XI: Lejeune, Unai López, Augusto Batalla, Adrián Embarba, Isi Palazón, Abdul Mumin, Jorge de Frutos, Pathé Ciss, Andrei Rațiu, Randy Nteka, Pep Chavarría
Subs: Óscar Trejo, Aridane Hernández, James, Sergi Guardiola, Raúl de Tomás, Balliu, Óscar Valentín, Pedro Díaz, Dani Cárdenas, Sergio Camello, Pelayo Fernández, Marco de las Sías
Atletico XI: Witsel, Azpilicueta, Oblak, Koke, Alexander Sørloth, Reinildo Mandava, Llorente, Nahuel Molina, Conor Gallagher, Samuel Lino, Julián Alvarez
Subs: Griezmann, Lenglet, Musso, Gimenez, Correa, Robin Le Normand, Javi Galán, Riquelme, Javi Serrano, Giuliano Simeone, Antonio Gomis
Dinnaloe
28
Here is the GIF, click: http://www.goalgif.xyz/v2/live/matchGifs?match_id=53877323&language=en
Tabestz
24
Athletico signed Alvarez a striker but doing the job of midfield ,and singed gallagar midfielder but doing the job of striker
podinptuyz
16
I pity those who think that Spanish teams are easy. I watched the math, it was not easy for Atletico