Leganés

Diego Simeone's side struck three times in the final 21 minutes to extend their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season, while maintaining the pressure on pace setters Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Leganes had only scored once in eight previous top-flight meetings with Atletico, but broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Yvan Neyou's brilliant strike into the top corner.

The hosts brought themselves level in the 69th minute, when Sorloth back-heeled in Axel Witsel's cross for his first home league goal since arriving from Villarreal.

Antoine Griezmann completed the turnaround with 11 minutes remaining, as his lofted cross crept in at Marko Dmitrovic's far post.

And Sorloth sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, turning home a rebound after Julian Alvarez's initial effort fell kindly for him.

Data Debrief: Another late show from Atletico

Atletico won after trailing at half-time in a LaLiga game for the first time since doing so against Cadiz just over a year ago, having failed to win in their nine previous such matches.

Sorloth's double proved crucial in the hosts' fightback. The former Villarreal forward's first Atleti goals on home soil took his LaLiga tally for 2024 to 20, with only Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (21) netting more during the calendar year.

Los Rojiblancos' late turnaround means they have won a league-high seven points from goals scored in the last 15 minutes of their matches this season.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 rapidly spreading across the globe, it has resulted in the postponement of competitions worldwide as governments attempt to combat the pandemic.

A small number of events still went ahead, but sports stars, teams and indeed supporters were otherwise left to find other means of entertainment.

With the number of confirmed cases worldwide now totalling over 155,000, we round up all the latest news and updates.

Germany's prestige friendly with Italylater this month became the latest football fixture to bite the dust, with the majority of upcoming international matches having now been wiped out.

More major organisations have halted all footballing activities until a later date, including Qatar, Moroccoand Egypt.

A small number of competitions, most notably the A-League, Russian Premier League and Mexico's Liga MX, did manage to go ahead as planned.

Indeed, NRL games also avoided the cut, as did a handful of Super Rugby matches before an indefinite ban was put in place later in the day.

Another competition to fall was Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand, which was already being played behind closed doors.

With New Zealand's government introducing strict protocols to attempt to slow the spread of the virus, the Black Caps – along with Super Rugby side Highlanders – returned home from Australia and Argentina respectively in order to beat the new restrictions, which will mean any new arrival to the country, even if they are a citizen, has to self-isolate for 14 days.

With the top-four tiers of English football being shelved until at least early April, there was plenty of focus on the National League as six games were given the green light.

There was some controversy in Argentina as River Plate's Copa Superligaclash with Atletico Tucuman was suspended after the home side refused to open their stadium.

Independiente's tie with Velez Sarsfield was played out in full, albeit behind closed doors, with the hosts claiming a 1-0 victory.

In Italy, Napoliurged their supporters to sing from their balconies in unison as Fiorentina's Patrick Cutrone and two more Sampdoriaplayers tested positive for COVID-19.

Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy revealed a negative test result after recently self-isolating, but Carlo Ancelottiand Angelo Ogbonna questioned the Premier League's handling of the outbreak, while Jordan Pickford denied reports he is self-isolating.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady, meanwhile, claimed the competition should be "void" – a suggestion Liverpoollegend Jamie Carragher quickly dismissed.

The lack of football did not stop certain clubs from keeping supporters entertained, though, with LaLiga side Leganes posting live updates of a fictitious match against Real Valladolid, which they won 2-1.

Perhaps inspired by their Spanish counterparts, Southamptongot Manchester City involved in an online game of noughts and crosses to help fill the void.

The downtime also gave football stars a chance to recuperate, with Sergio Ramos and Alexis Sanchez among those to post images of their extra-curricular activities.

Others, such as Liverpoolgoalkeeper Alisson and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, opted to use social media to educate their followers on how to properly wash their hands, while Barcelonasuperstar Lionel Messi used his profile to echo the sentiments of Cristiano Ronaldo in calling for people to follow the guidance of health organisations.

As Ronaldo and Jurgen Klopp were praised by the World Health Organisation for "protecting people from coronavirus", former United States president Barack Obama hailed a host of NBA stars – including Giannis Antetokounmpoand Zion Williamson – for donating large amounts to help support arena staff during the league's hiatus.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor labelled the pandemic "a stupid f****** virus", but later moved to clarify his aunt did not die after contracting the disease after previously suggesting as such.

And in more positive news, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe revealed his country still plan for the 2020 Olympic Games to go ahead in Tokyo, starting in late July.

The International Olympic Committee will have the final say, but ABE is confident the Games will be staged "without problem".

Suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, LaLiga will get back underway with a clash between Sevilla and Real Betis.

The remaining 11 matchdays will be played in less than six weeks as Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for the title.

Barca were two points clear of their bitter rivals when the season was stopped due to COVID-19, which has killed more than 373,000 people worldwide.

Quique Setien's men return to action with a trip to Real Mallorca on June 13, a day before Madrid host Eibar.

Barcelona also host Atletico Madrid on July 1 before facing rivals Espanyol in a derby clash a week later.

Barcelona's remaining fixtures
June 13: Real Mallorca (A)
June 16: Leganes (H)
June 21: Sevilla (A)
June 24: Athletic Bilbao (H)
June 28: Celta Vigo (A)
July 1: Atletico Madrid (H)
July 5: Villarreal (A)
July 8: Espanyol (H)
July 12: Real Valladolid (A)
July 15: Osasuna (H)
July 19: Deportivo Alaves (A)

Real Madrid's remaining fixtures
June 14: Eibar (H)
June 18: Valencia (H)
June 21: Real Sociedad (A)
June 24: Real Mallorca (H)
June 28: Espanyol (A)
July 1: Getafe (H)
July 5: Athletic Bilbao (A)
July 8: Deportivo Alaves (H)
July 12: Granada (A)
July 15: Villarreal (H)
July 19: Leganes (A)

LaLiga has been suspended since March but has been given the green light to return from the week commencing June 8, though all games will be played behind closed doors.

Leganes are based in Madrid, which has seen more than 67,000 cases of COVID-19 and just shy of 9,000 deaths as a result.

Due to the impact of the virus, Leganes have made all 2019-20 season tickets valid for 2020-21 in addition.

"Given the impossibility of playing the remaining matches of the 2019-20 season with open doors due to the effects of COVID-19, Leganes will compensate its subscribers by validating the current subscriptions for LaLiga matches of the 2020-21 campaign," read a club statement.

"The club, aware of the social reality that our city is experiencing, one of the hardest hit in all of Spain in terms of the level of deceased and infected... wants, in this way, to be sensitive with all its existing season-ticket holders."

Getafe, who are also based in Madrid, made their season tickets for this campaign valid for the entirety of 2020-21 too.

Leganes sit 19th in LaLiga, three points adrift of safety with 11 games remaining.

All matches in Europe's major leagues – along with a plethora of events across other sports – have been postponed indefinitely or cancelled as governments attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In the absence of games, however, three clubs in particular got creative with their attempts to amuse their fans.

First, LaLiga side Leganes, in a bid to help keep people in their homes as Spain continues to be on lockdown, posted live updates of a fictitious match against Real Valladolid, who they were originally due to host this weekend.

Complete with a stoppage for a VAR check, match commentary and even a post-match news conference, the imaginary encounter finished 2-1 to Leganes, with Oscar Rodriguez and Guido Carrillo scoring for the home side and Enes Unal netting one for Valladolid.

"Thank you all for following and participating in the transmission of the Leganes v Real Valladolid," a final post read. "[We need a] lot of strength right now and we never lack a sense of humour."

Perhaps inspired by their Spanish counterparts, Southampton attempted to get Norwich City – their scheduled Premier League opponents – involved in an online game of noughts and crosses.

However, Norwich did not respond to Southampton's initial move, with the Saints posting at half-time: "In truth, only one team making any effort to play here, but we're still waiting for the first real breakthrough."

Manchester City volunteered to take over, though, and the game finished level, prompting Southampton to appeal to the Premier League for a point.

It remains to be seen when the leagues will be able to recommence in more traditional fashion or if the season will be able to be completed at all.

While UEFA's 55 member nations will meet via a video conference on Tuesday, with the status of the Champions League, Europa League and Euro 2020 up for discussion, the Premier League has called an emergency meeting for Thursday after suspending all matches until April 3.

While COVID-19 pandemic has forced sports to stop around the world, LaLiga continued to go ahead over the weekend, albeit virtually.

A single player was invited by Spanish video game streamer Ibai Llanos to represent their team in a 20-club FIFA 20 tournament.

Asensio – who has been sidelined for the entire 2019-20 season due to a serious knee injury – swapped the pitch for PlayStation.

The 24-year-old Spain international's time away from the football ground paid dividends after beating Leganes' Aitor Ruibal 4-2 in Sunday's final.

Over €140,000 was also raised, with all proceeds going to UNICEF as the world struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed more than 14,500 lives.

"It has been a spectacular tournament," Asensio wrote via Twitter. "The goal was to have a good time, laugh, entertain ourselves in these difficult times for everyone, and donate in the fight against COVID-19. And we have succeeded.

"Congratulations @IbaiLlanos and all who have made it possible."

The Blaugrana have stumbled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five domestic games, while seeing their lead at LaLiga's summit reduced to just two points.

Flick's side will look to get back on track against another side with only one victory from five league outings in 17th-place Leganes.

Barca then conclude 2024 next weekend with a blockbuster clash against Atletico, who have won each of their last 10 matches across all competitions.

But Flick has called for concentration from his side, who may have surrendered top spot should second-place Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

"Leganes is [on Sunday] and we are not thinking beyond that," Flick told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"You have to make decisions with the players. I have told the team that everything depends on us, on whether we play 100% concentrated.

"All teams are looking for our weakness and will fight to find it. I want us to be 100% focused, with respect for the opponent, but we must play our game with our style."

Barca have had several injuries to contend with this season and have recently welcomed back the likes of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

And Flick revealed defender Ronald Araujo could make his first appearance of the campaign against Leganes, having been an unused substitute for the midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.

"What I have in mind is that he plays the first minutes of the season. I'm not sure if he'll be in the starting 11," added Flick, who will serve the first of his two-match touchline ban after his red card against Real Betis last weekend.

"Maybe, he will be in the 11, but if he is not, he will play later. He's ready. After an injury, it is normal that it takes a while to reach the highest level. We love that, little by little, [players] are coming back."

The enthralling encounter burst into life in the 21st minute when Miguel Gutierrez's volley found the back of the net with the aid of visiting goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. 

But Girona joy was short-lived as Renato Tapia fired Leganes level four minutes later, only for Arnau Martinez's header to restore the hosts' advantage. 

However, Juan Cruz levelled the game once again four minutes before half-time, ending a thrilling opening 45 minutes that saw 15 shots between either side. 

Substitute Cristhian Stuani handed Girona the lead for a third time from the penalty spot, placing the ball past Dmitrovic after Matija Nastasic had fouled Bojan Miovski.

Sergio Gonzalez then converted Daley Blind's delivery beyond his own goalkeeper for Girona's fourth, though more drama was yet to unfold. 

A fine effort from Munir El Haddadi handed Leganes a lifeline, but Girona were able to hold on to move up to 10th in the table ahead of their Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. 

Data Debrief: Substitute Stuani the star

Girona maintained their unbeaten run against Leganes in LaLiga, earning a third win in their fifth top-flight meeting (D2), though the win was made possible by Stuani. 

The 38-year-old continued to prove that age is just a number, with his 28-minute cameo seeing him record an expected goals tally (xG) of 0.92, more than any of his team-mates. 

Fellow goalscorers Gutierrez and Martinez also played their part, with the defensive duo creating three chances apiece during the contest. 

Girona find themselves 13th in the LaLiga standings after 11 games this season, but have been hit with several injuries to a plethora of first-team starters. 

The likes of Oriol Romeu, Jhon Solis, Portu, Yaser Asprilla, Ivan Martin, Abel Ruiz, Viktor Tsygankov, Pau Lopez, Cristhian Stuani and Yangel Herrera have all missed significant amounts of game time already this term. 

Michel, however, is expected to welcome Romeu, Stuani and Herrera back into the side for the visit of Leganes, who are one place below them in the table. 

But the Girona head coach insisted he would not rush players back into first-team action, but is hoping to welcome more of his injury absentees back for their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven next week. 

"I am a realistic person and I look ahead. I have no doubt that when the injured recover, the team will be fine and will play well," Michel said. 

"I can't predict what people think. We will be a competitive team that can beat anyone.

"Stuani, Romeu and Herrera are back. Jastin and Tsygankov are not far away and Lopez might be available for Tuesday's (Champions League) game against PSV.

"You have players who are close to returning, but we want them to recover well and to be really ready..."

Girona are without a win in consecutive games in LaLiga, but did get themselves a much-needed victory in the Copa del Rey, sweeping aside CD Extremadura 4-0. 

And that will give them confidence of returning to winning ways in the league, and they boast an impressive record against this weekend's opponents. 

They have not lost any of their four matches against Leganes in the league (W2 D2), keeping a clean sheet in all of them. 

Federico Valverde also scored for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who still have a game in hand on leaders Barca, who were pegged back in a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Mbappe ended a goal drought of over 400 minutes after being teed up by Vinicius Junior shortly before half-time, moments after Leganes had surrendered possession near the edge of their own area.

Madrid dominated possession throughout the second half and doubled their advantage in the 66th minute, Valverde drilling a low effort home from a free-kick won by Bellingham.

Bellingham later got in on the act with a header on the rebound after substitute Brahim Diaz rattled the crossbar, as Madrid cruised to back-to-back league wins. 

Data Debrief: Dirty work pays off for Madrid

Mbappe's opener, scored at a vital time shortly before the interval, set Madrid on their way to victory on Sunday.

Eduardo Camavinga and Bellingham both pressed high to help the visitors recover possession in the build-up, and Madrid have now scored five goals resulting from high turnovers in LaLiga this season – the most of any team across Europe's top five leagues.

This was the first time Ancelotti had faced Leganes in LaLiga, and he has now beaten all 28 different opponents he has come up against in the competition. 

Mbappe, who had played in a central attacking role since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, went four games without scoring in all competitions before netting the opener against Leganes.

The 25-year-old has come under scrutiny since his move, despite scoring eight goals in his opening 16 matches in all competitions, as he has not hit the free-scoring heights he showed while at PSG.

He scored his seventh league goal of the campaign after being moved back to his preferred position on the left, with Carlo Ancelotti saying after the game he was satisfied with the tactical shift.

Mbappe combined well with fellow attacker Vinicius Junior, who usually operates down that flank, as the Brazilian set up the goal. 

"Vinicius and I read each other very well. I've got a great relationship with him, and he's a great player," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after the win.

"I think I put in a good performance. I'm starting to get up to speed with my team-mates. I can play in every position, and I'm ready to help the team and give my all.

"It's the story of my career. I play on the right, on the left, in the middle and with two up top. It doesn't matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals."

Madrid are second in the league, four points behind Barcelona, who have played one game more. The leaders drew 2-2 at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Yvan Neyou's superb goal in the first half put Atletico on the back foot as they were left frustrated by missed chances in a wasteful first half.

However, Simeone made five substitutions, which gave them a much-needed boost, as Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone got key assists as Alexander Sorloth scored twice on either side of Antoine Griezmann's goal to help them earn the victory. 

The hosts dominated overall, creating 3.58 expected goals (xG), and having 24 shots, nine of which were on target, even though it took them until the 69th minute to find a breakthrough.

Giuliano, Simeone's 21-year-old son, entered the fray in the 57th minute, and the head coach was particularly pleased with how well he is developing into a winger.

"The work of the boys who came in was very good, they gave us an offensive aggressiveness that was crucial to guide us to the win," Simeone told Movistar Plus.

"[Giuliano] has been training in that position lately and doing really well. In Argentina, he also trained in the right sector, and we are seeing a lot to improve.

"But what I really appreciate is the hunger and enthusiasm that he transmits. In the second half, I think we had a bit more space to explore the back of their defence and the boys deserve this prize for their work. We hope they give us more things."

Atletico sit third in the table, now seven points behind leaders Barcelona, and four behind local rivals Real Madrid, but they now turn their attention to their Champions League tie against Lille on Wednesday.