La Liga

Falcao magic keeps Atlético on track

Falcao curled in a last-minute free-kick against Real Sociedad to secure Atlético Madrid a seventh consecutive Liga win and move his side level on points with FC Barcelona at the top.

The Columbian 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 win at Getafe, Míchel breaking the deadlock on 87 minutes, and Espanyol get a first win of the season against Rayo Vallecano. 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 as goals from Hélder Postiga and Víctor Rodríguez earned them a 2-1 win in Andalusia, while bottom-of-the-table Osasuna held Real Betis Balompié to a scoreless draw.