Depay scores 1st goal for Atletico to snatch late win over Celta Vigo

Vigo, Spain, Feb 12, 2023 (AFP) - Memphis Depay struck his first Atletico Madrid goal to help his team steal a late 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga.

Diego Simeone's side, down to 10 men after Stefan Savic's red card, were outplayed but Depay reacted quickly to spin and bury a loose ball in the 89th minute.

The Dutch forward, signed from Barcelona in January, netted in La Liga for the first time since September to help Atletico consolidate their hold on fourth place.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a string of stunning saves, while Celta striker Iago Aspas hit the crossbar from a free kick, as the hosts dominated at Balaidos.

After a dull first half, Aspas should have sent Celta ahead early in the second when through on goal but Oblak parried his effort.

With the shot still trickling toward the goal, the Slovenian brilliantly recovered to ensure the whole ball did not cross the line.

Atletico defender Savic was dismissed in the 70th minute for hauling down Swiss striker Haris Seferovic on the edge of the area.

Remarkably the Montenegrin defender has been dismissed three times in his last five appearances across all competitions.

Aspas crashed the resulting free-kick against the woodwork before Oblak made a fine stop to foil Carles Perez, on loan from Roma.

The goalkeeper made another breathtaking save to stop a Reinildo Mandava clearance going into his own net, before Depay's late strike earned Atletico their victory.

Yannick Carrasco's effort was deflected by a defender into Depay's path and he kept a cool head to steer the ball home.

Atletico are a point behind third-place Real Sociedad, who visit Espanyol on Monday.

The harsh defeat leaves Celta Vigo provisionally 13th, unable to add a third consecutive victory to their wins over Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.

Later Sunday leaders Barcelona visit Villarreal.

rbs/dmc