City's Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both misfired in the shootout to put Madrid in the driving seat
Atletico dig deep to draw at Girona after Griezmann sees red
Atletico Madrid demonstrated their remarkable team spirit to come roaring back from two goals and a man down to draw 2-2 at Liga debutants Girona on Saturday, after Antoine Griezmann had been sent off for the first time in his career.
Published : 19 August 2017, 08:51 PM
Updated : 19 August 2017, 08:51 PM
Girona looked set to enjoy a dream top flight bow when Uruguay international Christian Stuani rose to head in a sweeping cross from Alex Granell midway through the first half and three minutes later showed his predator's instinct to nod in a loose ball from close range.
Argentine forward Angel Correa pulled one back for Atletico with a long range strike in the 78th minute, after Griezmann had been dismissed for two successive bookings, one for diving to try and win a penalty and another for dissent.
Defender Jose Gimenez then beat Girona goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz to Koke's chipped free-kick to head Atletico level in the 85th minute and cap a thrilling encounter at the Montilivi stadium, which was hastily expanded for the club's first Liga game.
RELATED STORIES
The defeat caps a disappointing four days for Arteta's team after their Premier League title challenge suffered a blow with their loss to Aston Villa
Atletico bounced back with two goals early in the second half to put Dortmund on the ropes before they dug deep to complete a superb comeback
As Barca tries to find a goal to take the game to extra time, Mbappe scores from close-range and wrap up a semi-final place against Dortmund
