Madrid: Diego Godin played on injured for half an hour and then scored a 91st-minute winner as Atletico Madrid twice came from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in La Liga.
Godin pulled a muscle in the 64th minute Saturday as Inaki Williams gave Bilbao a 2-1 lead at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Atletico’s captain stayed on as they had made all three of their substitutes.
Rodrigo headed them level with 10 minutes left, before Godin’s close-range finish, initially ruled out for offside, was allowed to stand by referee Jose Sanchez, after consultation with his video assistant referee. It proved a spectacular finale to a pulsating encounter, in which Bilbao led twice after Williams’ opener was cancelled out by a long-range strike from Thomas Partey.
Atletico started brightly enough but Bilbao never looked uncomfortable and gradually grew into the game. Markel Susaeta fired wide, after Rodrigo carelessly conceded possession, and then instigated the goal, darting free of the sleeping Filipe Luis. Susaeta squared for Mikel San Jose, whose first-time shot was brilliantly clawed onto the post by Jan Oblak. But the ball rolled agonisingly across the line, where Williams was perfectly placed. It was the first league goal Atletico had conceded in a first half this season.
Thomas lifted the mood with a booming effort from range that flew past Iago Herrerin and into the corner. But, level in the 61st minute, Atletico were behind again in the 64th as one pass sent the speedy Williams clear. Godin clambered at the striker’s heels but could not recover. Williams slid in his second.
Atletico pushed again and Bilbao never looked safe sitting back. It was a simple corner this time, delivered by Thomas and glanced inside the far post by the head of Rodrigo. There was still time for a winner and it was Atleti that snatched it.
