This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Atletico Madrid's return to action after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic ended in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, dealing a blow to their top-four hopes in the Champions League.
Despite the empty San Mames stadium, Athletic Bilbao took the lead in the 37th minute through Iker Muniain, who completed a clever move to prod the ball home.
However, Atletico Madrid responded two minutes later when Diego Costa slotted in a through ball from Koke, dedicating his goal to Atletico women’s player Virginia Torrecilla who recently had a brain tumour removed.
Atletico Madrid are sixth on 46 points, level with fifth-placed Getafe and fourth-placed Real Sociedad, while Athletic Bilbao are 10th on 38 points.
Atletico midfielder Koke said, “We’re not in the worst situation as this was our first game back and Athletic are a difficult side but we cannot afford to slip up again if we want to get into the Champions League.”
He added, “It’s strange to come to a place like San Mames which is usually spectacular and which lives for football and to have no fans but we hope we can get back to normality soon.”
