Atletico Madrid’s hopes of finishing in the Champions League top eight at the end of the league phase suffered a setback on Wednesday after a 1–1 draw away to Galatasaray in their penultimate fixture.
Although the result briefly lifted Atletico into eighth place, the three-time Champions League runners-up now face a tougher task in their bid to qualify directly for the last 16.
Atletico enjoyed a dream start when Giuliano Simeone scored early, giving his father Diego Simeone’s side the lead. However, a Marcos Llorente own goal restored parity for the hosts in Istanbul.
Llorente later redeemed himself with a crucial late interception that prevented Atletico from slipping to defeat.
The visitors silenced the home crowd in the fourth minute when Giuliano nodded in a cross from Matteo Ruggeri. Galatasaray responded after 20 minutes as Llorente, attempting to intercept Roland Sallai’s delivery, accidentally diverted the ball into his own net, denying Jan Oblak a clean sheet on his 100th Champions League appearance.
Galatasaray threatened to take the lead before half-time, but Baris Yilmaz fired over the bar from a promising position. Atletico also went close shortly before the hour mark, only for Abdulkerim Bardakci to clear David Hancko’s effort off the line.
Simeone later introduced Antoine Griezmann, replacing Alexander Sørloth, while keeping Julian Alvarez on the pitch despite his recent struggles in front of goal. Alvarez, who has scored once in his last 10 matches, showed improved energy in this outing.
Late on, Griezmann curled a dangerous free-kick towards the top corner, but Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir produced a strong save and then denied Alex Baena to secure a point for the Turkish side. Galatasaray almost snatched victory in stoppage time, but Llorente intervened decisively to dispossess Eren Elmali as he prepared to shoot.
The draw leaves Galatasaray with work to do ahead of a daunting final fixture away to Manchester City, where they will aim to reach the play-off round.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, host Bodo/Glimt in their final match and still retain a chance of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase.
