Beitar Jerusalem defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Israel friendly

Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-22 09:58:36|Editor: Liu
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JERUSALEM, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Spanish club Atletico Madrid surprisingly lost 2-1 to Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem in a friendly match at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Beitar striker Maor Buzaglo scored in either half, while Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal for Atletico with a penalty kick in the 49th minute.

To make matters worse for Atletico, striker Diego Costa suffered a sprained left ankle in the 24th minute.

The match represented Griezmann's final appearance in an Atletico shirt, having recently announced his intention to leave the Madrid side after five years. He is expected to sign with FC Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain.

Also taking part in the match was Beitar's Israeli star Yossi Benayoun, who announced his retirement from playing last April and was appointed general manager of the club.

Benayoun, 39, notably played for English Premier League sides Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Earlier on Tuesday, Atletico coach Diego Simeone and players Saul, Thomas Partey and captain Koke were hosted by the academy of Hapoel Beer Sheva F.C. in southern Israel, as part of a collaboration between the two clubs.

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