La Liga: Suarez's Brace Not Enough As Atleti Drop Points

Atletico Madrid were held at home by mid-placed Celta Vigo on Monday but could not prevent Luis Suarez from scoring a brace taking his tally to 16, though the Rojiblancos' 6-game winning streak ended.

Atletico were missing six players due to COVID-19, including record signing Joao Felix. and they fell behind in the 13th minute to a well-worked goal from Celta when Santi Mina ghosted into the box unmarked to turn home a cross from Hugo Mallo.

Suarez equalised on the stroke of halftime by sliding in to meet a Marcos Llorente cross and scored a similar goal to put Atletico ahead in the 50th minute, this time connecting with a Renan Lodi ball to score his seventh goal in four league games.

Celta had faded in the second half after a strong display before the break but the visitors pulled level in the 89th minute through debutant Facundo Ferreyra, who had only been on the pitch for 13 minutes.

READ ALSO: La Liga: Suarez Double Sends Atleti 10 Points Clear

The draw interrupted Atletico winning run since their loss to Real Madrid on December 12 but they still hold a comfortable advantage at the top of the standings, leading second-placed Barcelona by eight points with a game in hand.

The title race is gradually becoming tighter as travel to face Granada away from home and could still be without their stars.