Falcao free-kick keeps Atlético on track
Sunday, October 21, 2012
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Falcao's late free-kick earned Club Atlético de Madrid a seventh straight win that moved them level with FC Barcelona, and late goals made the difference for Levante UD and RCD Espanyol.
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Falcao curled in a last-minute free-kick against Real Sociedad de Fútbol to secure Club Atlético de Madrid a seventh consecutive Liga win and move his side level on points with FC Barcelona at the top.
The Colombian forward delivered his ninth strike in seven league outings with the match still goalless in the 90th minute, and just as it appeared that the Rojiblancos' winning streak was coming to an end. They were not to be denied, though, and when Cristian Rodríguez was felled by Carlos Martínez 20 metres from goal, Falcao did the rest to move undefeated Atlético onto 22 points alongside Barcelona.
Late goals also helped Levante UD win at Getafe CF – Míchel breaking the deadlock on 87 minutes – and RCD Espanyol get a first win of the season against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. After Joan Verdú and Leonardo Carrilho Baptistao had traded doubles, Christian Stuani won the game in added time for the hosts, with both sides ending the match with ten men.
Elsewhere, Real Zaragoza jumped a point above Granada CF as goals from Hélder Postiga and Víctor Rodríguez earned them a 2-1 win in Andalusia, while bottom-of-the-table CA Osasuna held Real Betis Balompié to a scoreless draw.