Atletico held at Valencia as Liverpool loom

Atletico Mrid were twice pegged back in Friday's 2-2 draw at Valencia to keep Diego Simeone's side in fourth in La Liga ahe of Liverpool's visit next week. Atletico host runaway Premier League leers at Wanda Metropolita in Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday. Twenty-four hours later Valencia are in Italy to take on Atalanta in Milan.

Atletico held at Valencia

Atletico's Real Mrid recruit Marcos Llorente right-footed visitors' into an early le before a close range heer from Gabriel Paulista got Valencia back level five minutes before break. Three minutes later Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey h Atletico back in front only for Geoffrey Kondogbia to earn Valencia a share of points off a set piece after restart. This was Atletico's 10th stalemate of season and it left m on 40 points, with Valencia in sixth, two points rift.

"We're on right path. It was an important match with lots of goal-scoring chances for both sides," commented Simeone, La Liga conveniently brought game forward to Friday with ir Champions League opponents both playing league matches on Saturday.

Barcelona, trailing Real by three points, host Getafe, surprise occupants of third place, on Saturday. Real are in action Sunday against Celta Vigo.