Atletico Madrid held by Villarreal in breathtaking LaLiga clash

Geoffrey Kondogbia saved a point for Atletico Madrid with a second-half strike that helped the champions draw 2-2 with Villarreal in a breathtaking LaLiga clash on Sunday.

Striker Angel Correa scored from midfield to give Atletico the lead, but Pou Torres equalized in the 29th minute after rebounding from a free kick.

Villarreal advanced at the start of the second half after Alberto Moreno fired a low shot, but Kondogbia ensured Atletico earned a share of the points, leaving goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli behind.

Atletico are fourth in the standings with 33 points from 20 matches, 16 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Villarreal are just outside the European places in eighth place with 29 points.

Atletico's Correa intercepted a pass from Dani Parejo in the center circle and lobbed Rulli with a dazzling goalie effort.

"I know Roulie very well and know that she likes to stay far away from the target. So when I saw it, I went in and the kick was right," Correa told reporters.

Jan Oblak kept Atletico's lead in the 23rd minute when he blocked a Gerard Moreno penalty kick, but Torres rebounded at 1-1.

The hosts went ahead when Gerard Moreno slid the ball past Alberto Moreno, which hit the back of the net.

However, their lead lasted less than 10 minutes as Kondogbia's strike earned Atlético a point.

Atlético were reduced to 10 men in dying seconds when Kondogbia was relegated to a second yellow card.

Earlier on Sunday, second-placed Sevilla secured a 1-0 win against Getafe thanks to an opening goal from Rafa Mir. They are five points behind leaders Real with a game in hand.