Atlético Madrid’s chances to move into the LaLiga top four were squandered after slipping to defeat against the bottom of the table Levante. With their famously stern defence faltering (kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 league games), the defending champions now appear to be completely out of the title race. Guests from Valencia held firm in a cagey first half which was a huge surprise – Levante’s Italian manager Alessio Lisci had seen his side concede a staggering 22 goals in their last six league defeats.It was Levante who looked the side more likely to take an early lead in Madrid. José Maria Giménez’s appalling header allowed Jorge De Frutos the chance to spring through on goal, but Slovenian shot-stopper Jan Oblak made a great save to deny the effort.Leaving out both Luis Suárez and João Felix from the starting lineup was a bold move by Diego Simeone and it resulted in his side lacking an attacking spark – Los Colchoneros failed to register a shot on target before the halftime break. The hosts’ best chance of the half came from Thomas Lemar in stoppage time, however, his effort went over the crossbar.Visitors took a deserved lead less than ten minutes after the restart – De Frutos’ perfectly weighted pass allowed Gonzalo Melero to try with a first-time strike. It was a successful attempt, beating Oblak at the near post.A goal for Levante was hanging in the air and it was greeted with fierce whistles from the home crowd who were clearly unhappy with their side’s performance.Even after going ahead, Levante continued to be the more dangerous side. Oblak had to react once more – he prevented his side falling further behind – the Slovenian palmed away a powerful effort from De Frutos.Suarez coming onto the pitch failed to breathe any life into the Atlético performance, Joao Felix tried with no success, Ángel Correa’s bicycle kick goal in stoppage time was disallowed – it all resulted in back-to-back home defeats in La Liga to Levante.Lisci’s men saw their second victory of the season which brings them to within ten points of safety, as they look for a hugely unlikely escape.The mood in Simeone’s dressing room is as if his squad is facing relegation – seventh defeat of the season and sitting fifth, struggling to keep up with the Spanish Champions League caravan.LA LIGA – DELAYED MATCH OF ROUND 18Atletico Madrid – Levante 1-0 (0-0)/Melero 54/
