Atlético Madrid extends good run with 1-0 win over Levante

Atlético Madrid extended its good run after the pandemic break with a 1-0 win at Levante in the Spanish league on Tuesday.

An own-goal by Bruno González in the 15th minute gave Atlético its third straight win and moved Diego Simeone's team back into third place in the standings. Atlético is two points ahead of Sevilla, which had temporarily moved in front after a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday.

Atlético was sixth when the league was interrupted by the coronavirus, but its winning run — coupled with a series of poor results by its rivals — allowed the team to quickly get back into the Champions League places.

“Happy for another victory and for these very important three points that take us closer to our goal of qualifying for the Champions League,” Atlético midfielder Marcos Llorente said.

González found his own net while trying to intercept a cross from Llorente to Diego Costa inside the area.

Atlético is six points clear of fifth-place Getafe, which drew 1-1 at Valladolid.

Simeone's team is 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid hosts relegation-threatened Mallorca on Wednesday, while Barcelona hosts midtable Athletic Bilbao later Tuesday.

Image credits: Atletico Madrid / Twitter