Valencia, Atletico Madrid share the spoils in entertaining draw

Atletico Madrid took the lead against Valencia in their first La Liga game of the season but were pegged back for a final score of 1-1 in Monday night's encounter at the Mestalla.

Los Colchoneros were first to probe into their opponents' half with both Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann embarking on runs, but both were thwarted by the offside flag.

Daniel Wass then weighed in with the first concrete chance, but the Valencia attacker's long-range effort sailed over the Atleti bar.

The Denmark international came closer still on 14 minutes with a header from Santi Mina's right-wing cross, while Rodrigo rifled just wide of Jan Oblak's bar two minutes later.

Atletico, however, responded with a strike from Costa just inside the box, with goalkeeper Neto getting down fast to stop the ball.

With either side looking capable of breaking the deadlock, the opener eventually fell to the visitors on 26 minutes, Angel Correa expertly slotting past Neto following a Griezmann through-ball.

Atletico remained on top for the rest of the first half, though they could not add to their tally, and they would come to rue their missed opportunities as the hosts levelled on 56 minutes.

Valencia switched play with a high ball played towards Wass at the corner of the penalty area, and with a volleyed pass, Rodrigo was able to chest down and slot past Oblak for the equaliser.

The game proved exciting right until the end, both sides keeping the crowd on their feet with end-to-end football, but neither could find a winner and so the points were shared.

VALENCIA (4-4-2): Neto; Piccini, Garay (Gameiro 67'), Paulista, Gaya; Soler (Batshuayi 76'), Parejo, Kondogbia, Wass; Rodrigo, Mina (Diakhaby 67')

ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Oblak; Filipe, Godin, Savic, Juanfran; Lemar (Vitolo 63'), Saul, Koke, Correa (Thomas 81'); Griezmann (Martins 72'), Costa