Result: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Espanyol

Arda Turan
© PA Photos
Arda Turan scored twice to help Atletico Madrid take maximum points from their home encounter with Espanyol this evening.

The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and went on to open the scoring in the ninth minute. Diego's corner was met by Diego Godin, who planted a header into the top left-hand corner of the net.

However, Atletico's lead only lasted ten minutes as Didac slotted in after a low pass from Sergio Garcia.

Despite dominating the remainder of the half, Atletico were forced to head into the break level.

Atletico continued to control the proceedings after the restart as they forced Cristian Alvarez into a number of saves.

They eventually made the breakthrough for the second time thanks to Turan in the 59th minute. The Turkish winger fired into the net from just inside the area to put his side in front.

Turan then went on to double his side's advantage just two minutes later when he sent a left footed effort into the roof of the net.

Eduardo Salvio went close to extending the home side's lead in the closing stages, but his rising effort struck the post before being cleared to safety.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Barcelona367094
2Real Madrid365981
3Atletico Madrid363272
4Real Sociedad362062
5Valencia361362
6Malaga36454
7Real Betis35-252
8Rayo Vallecano36-1749
9Sevilla36447
10Getafe36-1147
11Espanyol36-644
12Athletic Bilbao36-2044
13Real Valladolid36-543
14Levante36-1842
15Granada36-1839
16Osasuna36-1636
17Deportivo La Coruna36-2035
18Real Zaragoza36-1934
19Celta Vigo36-1831
20Mallorca35-3229