Atlético Madrid 2-2 Celta de Vigo

Mexico forward Raul Jimenez is still searching for his first goal for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid blew the chance to go top of La Liga after they drew 2-2 with Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon.

Celta midfielder Pablo Hernandez audaciously put the visitors ahead with a spectacular backheeled volley.

Atletico defender Miranda equalised from close range and the hosts took the lead when centre-back Diego Godin headed home from a Gabi corner.

But Celta forward Nolito converted from the penalty spot after a clumsy foul by Miranda to secure a point for Celta.

Defending champions Atletico had beaten rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in La Liga last time out but lost 3-2 away to Olympiakos in the Champions League during the week.

Celta Vigo midfielder Pablo Hernandez, third right, celebrates his spectacular opening goal

The hosts started slowly and were punished in the 19th minute with a superb goal which owed much to a brilliant improvisation from Celta's Hernandez. who backheeled into the net after he got on the end of a high ball from Carles Planas.

Atletico equalised just after the half-hour mark in more conventional fashion when Koke's free-kick into the penalty area picked out the run of Miranda and the Brazilian defender guided the ball home from close range.

The home side, with coach Diego Simeone watching from the stands while he serves an eight-match touchline ban, took the lead from another set-piece four minutes before the break when Gabi's corner was met by the towering head of Uruguay centre-back Godin.

However, Celta were presented with an opportunity to level from the penalty spot just after the break when Planas cleverly turned Miranda, who clumsily barged him over.

Half-time substitute Nolito duly sent Atletico goalkeeper Moya the wrong way as he dispatched the spot-kick low into the bottom-left corner of the net.

Defender Diego Godin punches the air after heading in Atletico Madrid's second goal

Celta Vigo substitute Nolito equalises emphatically from the penalty spot to make it 2-2