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Atletico Madrid held to draw by Athletic Bilbao - European round-up

Bayer Leverkusen nick draw against Schalke in the Bundesliga

Diego Costa scored for Atletico Madrid on Sunday
Image: Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored for Atletico Madrid on Sunday

Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday on their return to La Liga action, missing out on the chance to capitalise on slip-ups by their rivals for the Champions League places.

Iker Muniain gave Bilbao the lead in an empty San Mames stadium by prodding home in the 37th minute to complete a clever move, but Atletico responded two minutes later when Diego Costa slotted in following a through ball from Koke.

During his celebration, Costa paid tribute to an Atletico Madrid women's player Virginia Torrecilla, who is recovering from brain surgery to remove a tumour.

Costa celebrated with team-mates before heading to the touchline to mark the occasion with a special demonstration to show support for Torrecilla.

Diego Costa pays tribute to Virginia Torrecilla after scoring on Sunday
Image: Costa pays tribute to Virginia Torrecilla after scoring against Athletic Bilbao

Diego Simeone's Atletico side had the best chance to win the game after the interval when Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon parried a cross from Renan Lodi into the path of Santiago Arias but the 'keeper recovered to block the rebound with his leg.

Atletico are sixth on 46 points, level with fifth-placed Getafe who lost at Granada on Friday, and fourth-placed Real Sociedad, who drew 1-1 with Osasuna at home in the final match on Sunday. Athletic Bilabo are in 10th on 38 points.

Real Madrid closed the gap to league leaders Barcelona to two points with a 3-1 victory over Eibar on their return to La Liga action.

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Bundesliga: Leverkusen nick Schalke draw

Bayer Leverkusen levelled through a late own goal
Image: Bayer Leverkusen levelled through a late own goal

Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to snatch a 1-1 draw at Schalke as they held on to fourth place in the Bundesliga with three games left and stayed on track for a Champions League spot.

Schalke worked hard and earned a penalty in the 51st minute which captain Daniel Caligiuri converted.

Yet they dropped back instantly and allowed Leverkusen far too much space. The visitors' persistent pressure paid off in the 81st minute when Schalke defender Juan Miranda, under pressure, turned a Wendell cutback into his own net.

Leverkusen should have scored again through Lucas Alario and Charles Aranguiz as Schalke, in ninth place, ran out of steam.

The draw lifted Leverkusen to 57 points, one ahead of fifth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach while Schalke set a club record by failing to win for the 13th consecutive league game.

Earlier in the day, Augsburg beat Mainz 1-0 with Florian Niederlechner's early goal winning it for the visitors.

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