A bizarre last-gasp own goal from Aissa Mandi made it possible for the reigning Spanish title holders Atletico Madrid to collect at least a point at home.A 2-2 draw to Villarreal last night and an astonishing own goal in the final seconds were a ray of sunshine for Diego Simeone’s side.Villarreal looked to be heading for an unlikely victory but in the fifth minute of stoppage time Atletico’s Saul Niguez sent a hopeful ball upfield. Algerian defender Mandi rose to head it back towards goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli but made an error of directing the ball into his own net to the horror of his team mates.Unai Emery’s reaction at the end to that villareal own goal. Livid. pic.twitter.com/RZoNDlsibD— Jaja (@JajaBred) August 30, 2021 A draw was no less than Atletico deserved after firing 23 shots at goal to the visitors’ two, both of which ended up in the net. Nevertheless Villarreal could hardly believe their misfortune.The late drama avoided a first home defeat for Atletico since February and moved them to seven points after three games alongside five other teams, with Real Madrid leading the standings on goal difference.Luis Suarez scored his first goal of the season to pull the hosts level, expertly slotting in a pass from Angel Correa, who had scored Atletico’s previous three goals this season in victories over Celta Vigo and Elche.##NAJAVA_MECA_5788505##But the Uruguayan, whose 21 goals in the last campaign were crucial to Atletico landing the title, later went off injured and was seen on the bench nursing his knee with a pack of ice.Villarreal went ahead again after a mix up between Atleti defenders Stefan Savic and Jose Gimenez, leaving Dutch forward Danjuma, who was making his first start since a reported 29.5 million USD (3.2 billion KSH) switch from Bournemouth, to pounce on the loose ball and lift it past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.Atletico could hardly believe their luck and Mandi’s header with Simeone celebrating wildly on the sidelines with his coaching staff and substitutes.Villarreal coach Unai Emery never enjoyed a victory over Cholo Simeone after 11 matches – he was so close on Sunday evening.##NAJAVA_MECA_5788520##
