Saul Niguez has helped Altetico Madrid crown itself as king of Spain’s capital at Real Madrid’s expense. Yes, read that correctly.
Saul, as he is commonly known, scored a spectacular goal Saturday in the first half of Altetico Madrid’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in La Liga (Spain’s first division). Saul’s scissor-kick goal was the highlight for Atletico Madrid, as it consigned its illustrious, cross-town rival to its biggest defeat in over four years and tightened the race for this season’s La Liga title.
Saul, 20, only was on the field because Ateltico Madrid’s star winger Koke suffered an early injury. Saul entered the game in the 10th minute and made himself into a legend with this goal eight minutes later.
Fullback Guilherme Siqueira surged into Real Madrid’s box before flicking a pass to Saul, who did the rest from six yards out.
Saul’s strike gave Atletico Madrid a two-goal lead. Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic doubled Atletico Madrid’s pleasure in the second half.
The goal was Saul’s third goal in 21 games this season. It’s not a bad return for a young, defense-oriented central midfielder.
In May, Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in extra time. The teams have met five times since then. Atletico Madrid is unbeaten, winning three and drawing twice.
Atletico Madrid’s win breathed new life into the La Liga title race. Real Madrid leads the way with 54 points after 22 games. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are tied for second with 50 points, but Barcelona can cut Real Madrid’s lead to one point with a win Sunday at Athletic Bilbao.
GIF via Reddit
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@theScore
