Own goal ends Atleti’s winning run

A late own goal from Toby Alderweireld cancelled out Adrian’s earlier strike to end Atletico Madrid’s winning run in the Champions League against Zenit.

The Belgian centre-back’s defensive header into his own net saw the capital club draw 1-1 in Russia after they had gone ahead on 53 minutes in St. Petersburg.

Diego Simeone named a weakened squad for the match having already been confirmed as group winners. And that meant Filipe Luis, Tiago Mendes, Arda Turan and David Villa dropping out, with Emiliano Insua, Josuha Guilavogui, Cebolla Rodriguez and Adrian Lopez coming in.

Despite the freezing temperatures, it was Atleti who got off to the brighter start with Raul Garcia shooting over from 25 yards within the first few minutes.

The movement of Hulk and Aleksandr Kerzahkov was causing the capital side some trouble in the opening exchanges, but the ever-present Miranda and newly-signed Alderweireld were holding fort in defence, keeping out the home team.

And it was the Brazilian striker who went closest to breaking the deadlock, but his fierce left-foot shot was saved well by Thibaut Courtois.

Luciano Spalletti’s men were really growing into the game, and started to dominate the Rojiblancos in both possession and shots on goal.

Going into the break though, nothing was dangerous to trouble Atleti’s unbeaten run in Europe.

After the interval, Hulk, again, fired a menacing effort straight at Courtois – but once more, the Belgian youngster was equal to the shot.

And the hosts rued that profligacy on 53 minutes as Adrian broke from the left-hand side, cut into the area, and slipped through the legs of Yuri Lodygin, into the back of the net.

The Russian club kept probing forward, looking for the equaliser – but in truth, never looked like scoring. But that all changed with 15 minutes to go when Alderweireld’s looping defensive header went over Courtois and nestled into the back of the net.

Zenit 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Scorers: Alderweireld OG 74 (Z); Adrian 54 (AM)

Zenit: Lodigyn; Smoinikov, Lombaerts, Hubocan, Criscito; Fayzulin (Bystrov 64), Shirokov (Arshavin 64), Witsel; Hulk, Kerzhakov, Shatov

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Alderweireld, Insua; Cebolla Rodriguez (Torres 80), Gabi, Guilavogui, Koke; Raul Garcia; Adrian

Tags Zenit St Petersburg
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