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EIBAR, Spain, Jan 18 (Reuters) – Atletico Madrid’s hopes of getting back into the Spanish title race faded even further with a 2-0 defeat away by struggling Eibar in La Liga on Saturday.
The tiny Basque side, who have the smallest stadium in La Liga, took the lead in the 10th minute when Esteban Burgos stabbed home from close range at the far post after Atletico failed to properly defend a corner.
Atletico, who lost last Sunday’s Super Cup final to Real Madrid on penalties, were without captain Koke plus defenders Kieran Trippier and Jose Gimenez and never got a grip on the game on a rain-swept evening at Ipurua.
Edu Exposito’s thumping shot from the edge of the area in the 90th minute sealed Eibar’s first victory in 12 top-flight games against Atletico and took them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Atleti, meanwhile, are third on 35 points, eight behind leaders Real Madrid and five behind champions Barcelona who play at home to Granada on Sunday. (Reporting by Richard Martin Editing by Christian Radnedge)