Atletico de Madrid 1 : 1 Real Sociedad - Vela snatches point for Sociedad

Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2012 by PA

Carlos Vela scored deep into injury time to salvage a point for Real Sociedad as a 1-1 draw almost certainly ended any remaining hope Atletico Madrid had of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The hosts were given the lead by a rare moment of quality in an otherwise disappointing game 10 minutes into the second half as Gabi's firmly struck shot from 25 yards gave Claudio Bravo no chance.

However, the goalscorer undid some of his good work by picking up two yellow cards in quick succession to leave his side a man down for the final 17 minutes and that pressure told as Vela scrambled home from only a yard out to earn his side a draw.

The result leaves Atletico still five points off the top four with just two games remaining.

Sociedad came into the game with little to play for having mathematically sealed their survival with a 3-0 win over Racing Sociedad at the weekend but it was the hosts who appeared to lack their normal intensity in a first 45 minutes devoid of clear goalscoring chances.

Gabi and Radamel Falcao headed over when well-placed, while at the other end Asier Illarramendi's deflected effort crept just past the post.

Imanol Agirretxe ought to have put the Basque side ahead moments after the interval but he seemed to have one eye on the on-rushing Thibaut Courtois and pulled his shot well wide after fine run and cross form David Zurutuza.

Gabi broke the deadlock six minutes later with a trademark drive from outside the area low into Bravo's right-hand corner.

However, even after the goal Atletico failed to click into gear and were given a warning when substitute Diego Ifran's free-kick whistled just past the post.

The hosts were then reduced to 10 men as Gabi was somewhat harshly shown a second yellow for a high boot challenge on Carlos Martinez.

With the man advantage Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier sent on Joseba Llorente and Vela in search of an equaliser and the latter was on hand to make the most of a mix-up between Juanfran and Courtois and prod home his sixth goal in seven games.