Sunday 20 August 2017 20:52, UK
Antoine Griezmann was sent off as Atletico Madrid battled back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at La Liga newcomers Girona in their opening match of the new season.
The Catalans were making their debut in Spain's top flight.
Following a minute's silence at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi in respect of the victims of the terror attacks in Barcelona and the nearby seaside town of Cambrils, Girona raced into a two-goal lead.
Uruguay forward Cristhian Stuani headed in a cross at the far post on 22 minutes and was on target again just three minutes later when he nodded the ball in after it had been knocked back through the six-yard box following a deep free-kick.
Atletico, who are said to be closing in on a deal to bring wantaway Chelsea forward Diego Costa back to the club, then found themselves down to 10 men.
In the 66th minute, Griezmann was cautioned for what the referee viewed as a dive over Girona goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz just inside the penalty box.
The French forward, who failed to find the net in pre-season following a barren run in Atletico's final five La Liga games, then appeared to say something to the official.
Referee Juan Martinez Munuera swiftly showed Griezmann another yellow card followed by a red to leave Diego Simeone's men with it all to do.
However, Atleti responded when Angel Correa pulled a goal back with a fine individual strike in the 78th minute before, with just six minutes left, Jose Gimenez headed in an equaliser from Koke's free-kick.
Atletico didn't lose any ground on their likely challengers to once again be Spanish football's third force behind Real Madrid and Barcelona as Sevilla were held 1-1 at home by Espanyol.
Clement Lenglet bundled the hosts in front from a corner midway through the half, but Leo Baptistao levelled 10 minutes before half-time.
Sevilla also ended with 10 men as Ever Banega was sent-off following an angry exchange with the referee
In Saturday's earlier kick-off, Willian Jose's late penalty gave Real Sociedad a 3-2 win at Celta Vigo.
Uruguay forward Maximiliano Gomez gave the hosts the lead in the 22nd minute.
Sociedad, tough, were level just 10 minutes later when Mikel Oyarzabal capitalised on a loose pass from goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez to score into an empty net.
Gomez was on target again five minutes into the second half, but the visitors set up a tense finish when Jose Juanmi equalised with 10 minutes left.
Then, with 88 minutes on the clock, Celta Vigo defender Jonny pulled down Carlos Vela and Brazilian frontman Willian Jose made no mistake from the spot, lashing the ball into the bottom corner to snatch all three points.
