Atletico Madrid missed the chance to go top of La Liga on Saturday night as they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon.
Celta broke the deadlock in the Spanish capital through a clever flick from Pablo Hernandez, but lost their lead before the break as Atletico hit back through Miranda and Diego Godin.
However, the visitors were denied a victory when Nolito fired home a penalty after Miranda had fouled Carles Planas.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good evening everyone. We've already seen plenty of goals in La Liga tonight, so we will be treated to more over the next couple of hours? I'll be bringing you live text commentary as Atletico Madrid host Celta Vigo.
It's certainly going to be a tough ask for Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon tonight, but they're yet to be beaten this season and will surely head into the match full of confidence. A win for the visitors would see them climb above Atletico in the table.
The prize is clear for Atletico tonight. Collect three points and they will be top of La Liga tonight. It might not last long, with Barcelona playing tomorrow night, but Diego Simeone's side will be desperate to continue their unbeaten run. Dropping points at this stage can be crucial when May arrives.
ATLETICO: Moyá; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Ansaldi; Tiago, Gabi; Arda, Koke, Griezmann; Raúl Jimenez
SUBSTITUTES: Oblak, Siqueira, Gimenez, Suarez, Garcia, Esclapez, Cerci
CELTA VIGO: Sergio; Hugo Mallo, Cabral, Fontás, Planas; Radoja, Álex López, Krohn-Dehli, Pablo Hernández, Orellana, Larrivey
SUBSTITUTES: Blanco, Jonny, Charles, Nolito, Maldinda, Gomez, Fernandez
The big absentee for Atletico is Mario Mandzukic, who is not included in the squad, despite reports suggesting that he may have played in a face mask tonight. Antoine Griezmann does start, and he'll provide the main support for Raul Jimenez. For Celta Vigo, there's no place in the starting lineup for Nolito, but Pablo Hernandez does return.
Atletico's players will be well aware that Real Madrid found form in La Liga earlier today by thrashing Deportivo La Coruna 8-2 in an astonishing game, but a win tonight would see them move four points clear of their fierce rivals. It may be only September but that's a great lead to have over the white side of the city.
PREDICITION: It's that time again. Celta have certainly produced some promising displays in the early stages of the new campaign, but this will be a big, big test. Mandzukic sitting out is a big blow for the hosts. However, I'm going for a 3-1 Atletico win.
How will the visitors approach this game tonight? After climbing to the top of the tree last season, Atletico are used to teams sitting back against them, but being positive could be the key for Celta this evening. Jimenez offers a different threat to Mandzukic, and preventing him from finding space in behind the defence is surely going to be key.
It was a rare defeat in midweek for Atletico as they started their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 loss against Olympiacos. The goals they conceded in that match would have infuriated Simeone, who continues his touchline ban tonight, and he'll be demanding a response.
Here we go then. The players are on their way out of the tunnel at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico's supporters, as ever, are in great voice when their team is presented to them.
Before the match gets underway, there is a moment's silence for all of the Atletico fans who have passed away in the last year. Nice touch from the hosts. Celta will kick the game off.
Bright start from the hosts as Ansaldi sprints away on the right before whipping in a cross which is easily collected by Alvarez.
Good football from Atletico as Gabi drifts out wide and clips the ball to Koke, who sends a disappointing half-volley over the crossbar from the edge of the box.
Moya, who was replaced by Oblak in midweek, wins a fortunate free kick when he collides with Pablo Hernandez inside the box. Poor goalkeeping from the Atletico shot-stopper.
SHOT! Excellent work from Koke as he wins the ball in midfield and drives his team forward with a great run. The ball is knocked out wide to Jimenez, who curls a decent chance over the crossbar from the edge of the box.
It's certainly no surprise to see Celta Vigo knock the ball around confidently early on. No sign of Eduardo Berizzo's side adopting anything close to a defensive approach.
Celta are seeing slightly more of the ball early on, but are struggling to pick the right pass in the final third of the pitch due to some good pressure from Atletico.
Typically brilliant defending from Atletico, who have been forcing Celta to go more direct in the past few minutes. That will not suit Celta. No clear chances for either side yet.
Koke and Gabi delight the crowd by getting themselves out of trouble with a superb piece of play in midfield. Unfortunately, it's not sticking up front yet as a flick from Griezmann goes wrong.
CHANCE! Atletico should be in front. Juanfran collects a brilliant reverse pass from Arda on the right before curling in an inch-perfect cross for Tiago, who pokes his effort just wide from about 10 yards out. Great opportunity for the hosts.
Atletico improving with every passing minute. Celta's confident start has quickly been forgotten, and they've been struggling to keep the ball since.
Turan surely holds the key for Atletico. He's picking up the ball in some superb areas of the pitch, and has sent out a few warnings to Celta with his excellent range of passing.
GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 0-1 CELTA VIGO (PABLO HERNANDEZ)
Oh my word, what a special goal. A cross into the box looks too strong for Pablo Hernandez as he battles with Godin, but he sticks out his foot and completely fools Moya with a superb flick. The Vicente Calderon has been silenced by that one.
CLOSE! We're in for an exciting night. Atletico come close to an immediate response when Griezmann chips the ball up before just missing the top corner with a clever lobbed effort.
SAVE! It's exciting stuff now as Juanfran picks out the run of Griezmann, whose header is pushed behind by Alvarez. Atletico have responded well to falling behind.
Should Celta have a penalty? Ansaldi looks very clumsy as he challenges Larrivey in the air. Neither player manage to get a head on the ball. If that was outside the area, the referee would have surely given the visitors a free kick.
Predictably, that goals has given the visitors plenty of confidence. Atletico have twice come close to equalising, but Celta suddenly look more relaxed in possession as they force the hosts to chase the ball for an extended spell.
Koke does very well to earn himself some space 25 yards from goal, but his options are limited and time eventually runs out for the playmaker. There has to be more movement from the likes of Griezmann and Jimenez.
SAVE! Big chance for Atletico as Griezmann clips a lovely ball into the box for Ansaldi, but Alvarez is off his line quickly to block the full-back's effort.
GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 CELTA VIGO (MIRANDA)
Atletico pull level, but Celta will not be happy with how the defending. Koke's free kick from the left is very inviting, and Miranda takes advantage of poor marking from Larrivey to volley home. Good finish from the Brazilian.
Celta must make sure they do not crumble before the break. They'll be happy if they reach the interval on level terms. At times Larrivey has not done enough to create space in the final third, or offer an option in the channels.
YELLOW CARD! I believe they call this 'taking one for the team'. Griezmann sprints away from a couple of defenders, and is blocked off by Cabral, who senses the danger as the Frenchman flicks the ball past him.
There's been a few signs that Celta are beginning to panic. Atletico are sending more players forward, with Koke and Arda coming into the game more recently.
Brilliant play from Griezmann, who latches onto a through ball before delivering an excellent cross which Jimenez can't quite turn towards goal under pressure inside the box.
Superb football on show. Griezmann and Jimenez link up with some clever touches before the former releases Juanfran with a back heel, but the full-back's attempt to return the pass is blocked at the near post. Atletico are putting the pressure on now.
GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 2-1 CELTA VIGO (GODIN)
It's another goal from an Atletico defender! Gabi's corner from the right is inch-perfect, and Godin rises highest in the box to power home a fantastic header. Can Celta react to falling behind?
Celta go in search of a quick equaliser, but a promising spell of possession is ruined when Hernandez's cross into the box is easily cleared by Godin.
Good response from Celta, who are passing the ball around nicely as we approach the interval. Apart from the goal, they've lacked a cutting edge going forward and are struggling to create chances.
HALF TIME: ATLETICO MADRID 2-1 CELTA VIGO
For some reason, Orellana gets himself booked for dissent on the way off the pitch. He's frustrated because his side have lost the lead after breaking the deadlock thanks to Hernandez's superb flick. Atletico have done what champions do, and that is respond to setbacks. Miranda and Godin have secured the advantage for the hosts with smart finishes from Koke and Gabi deliveries, respectively.
The cameras have shown that Simeone wasn't always a happy man in the opening 45 minutes, but he'll surely be delighted with how his side have responded. Griezmann has looked a threat since the first whistle, and he's being supported well by Arda and Koke. Simeone will want to see more from Jimenez, who has lacked the touch of quality when it matters most.
Despite looking comfortable on the ball for long periods, Celta have only managed one shot on target in the first half and that was Hernandez's goal. I wouldn't be surprised to see Berizzo make changes early in the second half. Nolito would be a good option in the final third of the pitch.
The next goal is crucial in this match. If Celta score next, they may feel confident about keeping Atletico out, but the hosts will be favourites to earn a very comfortable victory if they make it 3-1 early in the second half.
The players are back out on the pitch for the second half. It will be Atletico who get the second half underway at the Vicente Calderon.
SUBSTITUTION: Once change at the break for Celta. As predicted, Nolito is on to replace Alex Lopez. Can he make the difference going forward?
SAVE! Excellent start to the second half for Celta. A fast attack results in Orellana finding the run of Mallo, whose powerful strike is straight at Moya.
Atletico have seen very little of the ball early in the second half, but Jimenez manages to relieve some pressure by winning a free kick with a good piece of hold up play.
It's been a promising opening to the second half for Celta, who have found their passing rhythm pretty quickly. The pressure is on the visitors to push on, though, and Atletico can afford to pick them off on the counter-attack.
PENALTY! Miranda gifts a chance to Celta by blocking off Planas with a clumsy challenge after being fooled by a superb piece of skill.
GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 2-2 CELTA VIGO (NOLITO)
I asked whether he could make the difference, and it's not taken Nolito wrong to do just that as he levels the scores with an emphatic penalty. Celta rewarded for committing more men forward early in the second half.
Another worrying moment for the hosts as a long ball forward almost catches out Moya and Godin, who completely misjudge the bounce. Luckily for Atletico, Godin manages to clear the danger.
A few whistles can be heard from the Atletico supporters as a long ball forward misses the head of Jimenez, who has struggled to get involved on a regular basis this evening. The pressure is on the hosts right now.
Gabi chooses to take a free kick short to Koke, whose chipped cross is inches away from finding the head of Griezmann. Alvarez can collect, and Celta are back on top.
A promising move comes to an end as Gabi, in plenty of space on the right wing, somehow manages to miss both Jimenez and Griezmann inside the box. Very poor from the skipper.
DISALLOWED GOAL! It doesn't look like it's going to be Jimenez's night. A Gabi free kick finds the Mexican, who heads home. However, the offside flag is up on the far side of the pitch. It's a good call from the assistant referee. Celta are still struggling to defend set pieces.
Much better from the hosts. Griezmann cuts inside to link up with Arda, before testing Alvarez with a powerful strike from 25 yards out. Routine save for the Celta goalkeeper.
Much like what happened before the break, Atletico are improving as this second half progresses. Simeone's side are passing the ball around quicker now, and are beginning to find more spaces on the wing as Ansaldi and Juanfran get forward more often.
Jimenez can't quite direct his header at goal following a clever flick from Arda. Celta are being pushed further back by their opponents, and appear happy to operate on the counter attack from here.
SUBSTITUTION: Well, I can't work this one out. Jimenez appeared the obvious choice, but it's Griezmann who is removed to make way for Raul Garcia. The Frenchman has been impressive tonight.
The home supporters are furious when Godin goes down at the back post from a Koke free kick. A quick replay proves that there was very little contact between Cabral and Godin. Good decision from the referee not to award a penalty.
First shot of the night for Garcia, and it's not a great one as he fires well over the crossbar with a wayward effort from 30 yards.
SUBSTITUTION: Second change of the night for Celta as Sergi Gomez comes off the bench tonight to replace Hernandez, who will be reminding people of the goal he scored tonight for a long, long time.
Good battling from Larrivey in attack, but his eagerness to test Moya is not helped when Godin gets a vital touch on the ball inside the box. It's not been an easy night for the Celta forward.
It's end-to-end in the Spanish capital, but Celta's attacks aren't looking troubling enough at this stage of the match. Plenty of space to operate in midfield. Can either side take advantage?
SAVE! Alvarez may have just earned Celta a point. A cross into the box is knocked into the path of Jimenez by Garcia. The Mexican manages to beat the offside trap, but his effort from close range is saved by the feet of Alvarez.
Nervy moment for Alvarez as Atletico come close to regaining the lead in fortunate fashion when a wayward Koke cross needs pushing over the crossbar at the final moment.
It's Celta enjoying some pressure now as a free kick is followed by a corner, both of which are cleared by the Atletico defence. Just 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, but there does seem to be one more goal coming in this match.
Another Gabi free kick threatens to cause problems for the visitors, but Alvarez is off his line quickly to punch clear under pressure.
SUBSTITUTION: A tough night for Jimenez comes to an end as Alessio Cerci comes off the bench to replace the Mexican.
Celta are refusing to invite the pressure, but once again they run out of ideas in the final third of the pitch as Atletico clear another attack.
YELLOW CARD! Gomez picks up a yellow card for tripping Koke as Atletico looked to break in numbers following another Celta attack.
A mini opening presents itself to Cerci, but he's prevented from getting a shot on goal due to an offside flag. Time running out to find a winner in the Spanish capital.
Atletico's supporters want a penalty, and so does Cerci, but replays prove that the Italian was not touched inside the box. He should have been booked for diving on that occasion.
SUBSTITUTION: Krohn-Dehli is given a well-deserved rest for the final few minutes as Jonny comes on for the visitors.
SAVE! Alvarez comes to the rescue again! A lovely free kick from Koke reaches the head of Tiago, but his effort is pushed to safety. Brilliant goalkeeping. Arda heads wide moments later. Just three minutes added on.
It's all Atletico in the closing stages, but Celta are holding firm late on. A couple of efforts are blocked by Celta defenders. Can they hang on?
The ball is in the net in the final minute of stoppage time, but Garcia was clearly offside moments before firing home.
FULL TIME: ATLETICO MADRID 2-2 CELTA VIGO
Both sides continue their unbeaten start to the new season, but a draw is certainly a better result for Celta Vigo. The champions drop points and miss the chance to go top, which means Barcelona can extend their advantage tomorrow night.
That's all from us tonight. Thanks for joining us for an entertaining match. Goodnight.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
