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Atletico Madrid delayed Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations by beating Valencia 3-2 at home in an entertaining game on Wednesday at a sparsely attended Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Defeat for Atletico would have seen Barca clinch an eighth title in 11 years, but the victory moved Diego Simeone's side on to 71 points after 34 games, nine points behind the Catalans. "We played a great game, controlled most of it and in the end were able to take it, a victory which we needed," Simeone said after the match. "It was a nice game for the fans, with five goals. They gave everything when they attacked, and we did too." Barca will be champions if they beat Levante at home on Saturday and could seal the title before kickoff if Atletico lose at home to Real Valladolid earlier in the day. Alvaro Morata put Atletico ahead on a rain-swept evening in the ninth minute by knocking a cross in from close range on the volley but Valencia equalised in the 36th through former Atletico forward Kevin Gameiro. Atletico's top scorer Antoine Griezmann put the home side back in front early in the second half with a header but the visitors, who are chasing fourth spot in La Liga, were awarded a penalty for a handball by Saul Niguez following a VAR review. Captain Dani Parejo slammed the ball home from the spot but Atletico came back again to take the lead for the third time with a brilliant strike from Angel Correa, who sent the ball sweeping just inside the near post from outside the area. "We are doing all we can, which is win our games and keep going while there is still a chance," Simeone said. "Although Barcelona have had a great season and for sure they will not slip up and will become champions on Sunday. If we cannot finish first, then we need to be second. We want to go as far as we can."
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