Atletico Madrid welcomed Celta Vigo to Madrid on Friday looking to recover from last weekend's defeat to Barcelona.
The opening period brought few chances for either side, although the best opportunity arrived for Atletico early on when Koke struck from outside the box, but his effort rattled the post.
Atletico also enjoyed the better of the second half, but they left it late to secure all three points when Adrian Lopez found the top corner after 77 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final match of this evening comes from Madrid as Atletico welcome an inconsistent Celta Vigo outfit to the Spanish capital. Atletico were beaten by Barcelona last time out, but it is difficult to criticise them after such a stunning start to the season. In their way is a Celta Vigo outfit that are without a win in their last three league matches.
It is almost a year since Diego Simeone took charge of Atletico with the club struggling in the bottom half of the table. Since then, the Argentine has guided them to success in the European Super Cup and Europa League and his side will end the year ahead of Real Madrid in the table regardless of the results this weekend.
Celta, meanwhile, remain just two points off the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on Monday and will surely be wary of a backlash from the home side this evening. Should results go against them this weekend, then they could find themselves in the relegation zone at the winter stoppage.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Godin, Cisma, Juanfran, Miranda; Tiago, Koke, Turan, Gabi; Falcao, Costa
CELTA: Varas; Mallo, Arceo, Cabral, Bellvis; Oubina, Lopez, Fernandez, Insa; Aspas, Krohn-Dehli
Here we go then. Both teams have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see anything other than a home win this evening. I am backing Atletico to record a 3-0 victory. The home side get the action underway.
Atletico have played 13 games on their own patch this season and have recorded 13 wins. What a stunning record. Meanwhile, they have scored 37 goals in the process. Celta do not travel very well, winning just one of their eight matches away from home this season. Surely that points to only one result? However, Celta have enjoyed much of the early possession here.
Celta continue their encouraging start to the match as they force a shooting opportunity with Alex Lopez. However, the midfielder can only fire his effort over the target from close range. Slightly shaky start from the home side, who have been unable to enjoy a period of possession thus far.
Suddenly Atletico spring into life as Juanfran collects a pass from Tiago before driving down the left, but his pass to Costa is just too short and the danger is cleared. Eventually Turan does whip a cross into the penalty area, but Hugo Mallo rises above Radamel Falcao - no easy task.
Celta's impressive start continues as they force two corners in quick succession. The first is punched clear by Courtois before Miranada heads the second clear of the penalty area. We haven't seen much of Iago Aspas for the away side so far, but the impressive Dane Michael Krohn-Dehli has been heavily involved.
Another promising attack for the home side breaks down as Turan drives down the left, but he cannot find a teammate with his poked pass. Celta attempt to launch a counter-attack with Oubina in possession, but Tiago uses his experience to take possession before opening up a passing sequence. We are still awaiting the first half-chance of the match.
Best period of the match for the home side as Juanfran whips a high cross into the penalty area, but Koke's header is wide of the target. Just some signs that Atletico are starting to exert a period of control on the match. But the threat from Celta is there for all to see.
It's sensational football from the home side as Turan combines with Falcao before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but Arceo just beats Costa to the ball in order to clear the danger. First bit of real quality in the opening 13 minutes of the match. Celta just need to settle with the ball in the next couple of moments.
POST! Atletico come within a whisker of taking the lead as Koke picks up a loose ball outside the box before passing towards the bottom corner, but his effort thumps off the post. Javi Varas was beaten there. Atletico are well in control of this match at the moment.
Celta simply cannot keep possession of the ball at the moment with Thiago and Gabi controlling the middle of the midfield. You just get the feeling that they need to get Aspas into the match and utilise his pace and movement. As it stands, this result is only going to go one way.
It must be said that the Celta supporters are making an incredible amount of noise in the opening stages of this match. You get the feeling that they would sing all evening, even if their side were 4-0 down. The pressure is all on the home side in this match that is for certain. Still 0-0 with 18 minutes on the clock.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past couple of minutes. The match has just become slightly untidy with a host of fouls being awarded in and around the centre circle. We have not seen much from Diego Costa in the opening stages, but you get the feeling he will have some role in this match. A goal or a yellow card. Most probably the latter.
It's good football from the home side as Costa collects possession before finding Cisma on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot is wide of the target. Falcao gathers possession moments later, but he cannot force his low cross into the box and the danger is cleared. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.
Again the home side force a good attacking opportunity as Falcao collects possession outside the penalty area before attempting to feed Costa, but the Colombian's pass is just too long. Krohn-Dehli tries a similar pass down the other end for Aspas, but once more the defender comes out on top.
It's sensational feet from Costa as the Brazilian dances his way into the Celta box before attempting to find Falcao, but Cabral just beats the striker to the ball. The resulting corner is taken by Gabi, but the away side continue to defend well and the danger is cleared.
Decent spell of possession for the away side as they continue to pass and probe in their own half, but it is not taking them anywhere with the home side squeezing in midfield. They attempt to find Aspas each time they have the ball in the final third, but the striker is met by two challenges on each occasion.
Half-chance for the home side as Bellvis fells Falcao in a wide area. The resulting free kick is taken by Koke, but his cross is headed wide by Diego Godin. A half-chance for Atletico to take the lead, but no more than that. The score remains 0-0 as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match by a million miles as Juanfran whips a sensational cross into the penalty area, but Costa can only fire wide from close range. The striker was under pressure from Mallo, but really should have opened the scoring there.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Lopez fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Fernandez can only head his effort over the crossbar. That is their first real sighter of the evening thus far. You do wonder where their goals are coming to come from this evening.
Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the Celta penalty area and it eventually ends with Turan striking from the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the Turkish international picks up the first booking of the evening for handball moments later. That is his fifth of the season. He is out of their next match.
The pressure remains from the home side with Juanfran and Cisma both pushing forward into advanced areas, but their final ball has eluded them thus far. Aspas does well down the other end as he evades two challenges, but he simply has no support and the home side manage to regain possession.
Another half-chance for the home side as Turan finds the head of Falcao in the penalty area, but the Colombian can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Although the linesman had his flag raised and play is restarted with a Celta free kick. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining and the score stays at 0-0.
Still Celta struggle for invention in the final third as Krohn-Dehli collects possession before lifting his head, only to find that he has simply no options in the Atletico half. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Dane and Aspas to exert any kind of influence on this match. They have failed to register one shot on target thus far.
It must be said that there is not much of an atmosphere inside the ground this evening. The attacking threat from the home side has dropped off somewhat in the past five or so minutes, with the lack of chances creating a fairly mediocre period in the match. Meanwhile, Cabral appears to have a problem here as he hits the deck holding his ankle.
However, the defender is deemed fit enough to continue. Another half-chance arrives for the home side as Turan fires a low cross into the penalty area, but this time Arceo is on hand to clear the danger. Atletico really should be ahead in this match as we enter the final stages of the half.
Huge claim for a penalty as Costa is felled by Cabral in the box, but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. The best chance of the match thus far remains the early effort from Koke when he struck the post.
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. An uneventful half of football is brought to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Atletico have certainly been the better side in the opening 45 minutes, and hit the post early on through Koke, but the score remains goalless at the interval.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Atletico have shaded the possession with 52%, while they have managed six attempts to Celta's two, which were both off target. For all the pressure from the some side, however, it cannot be said that Celta have been holding on.
The importance of this match for the home side cannot be overstated. They have lost two of their last three matches in the league and will be keen to keep a gap ahead of Real Madrid for the second part of the season. It would not surprise me if Adrian Lopez was introduced in the second period.
As it stands Atletico would remain in second spot in the table, five points clear of third-placed Madrid. However, victory for Barcelona tomorrow would open up an 11 point lead over Atletico. For Celta, they have hardly been in the opposing half, but will be happy to sit in and absorb the pressure and hope for that once chance on the counter.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes at the break for either side. Just a final reminder that tomorrow we have three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga from 4.30pm. Be sure to join me for that. Celta get us underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital.
Celta have only conceded five goals in their last seven matches in all competitions and they did defend well in the opening period of football. However, you get the feeling that they will be under pressure for large segments of this half. Atletico enjoying much of the early possession here.
Half-chance for the home side in the early stages of the half as Juanfran bursts into the penalty area, but his attempt is wide of the target. The Spanish right-back has been in fine form this season and is considered by many as the favourite for that role in the national team. Vicente del Bosque is indeed at this match this evening.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Miranda collects a loose ball inside the penalty area before flashing an effort across goal, but it just drifts out for a throw. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to make their voices heard. Will that be the case if their side is still in this position towards the latter stages of the match?
First real attack of the second period for Celta almost brings a goal as Mallo advances down the right before whipping a low cross into the middle, but the danger is cleared by Juanfran. The resulting corner is taken by Krohn-Dehli, but his cross is headed clear by Miranda and the home side launch a counter attack.
Slight concern for Aspas here as the attacker is caught in the face by Miranda. However, replays have shown that there was certainly no intent from the defender. After a period of treatment Aspas does return to his feet, but Miranda picks up a yellow card for an almost identical incident moments later. What a strange turn of events.
The resulting free kick is taken by Krohn-Dehli, but the much-involved Miranada heads the danger clear for a corner. The Dane takes the resulting set piece, but Cisma is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that could be the away side's best avenue for goals this evening.
First change of the match for the home side as Cristian Rodriguez replaces Gabi. Little over 30 minutes of action this evening and you can just sense the frustration from the crowd as their side continues to lose possession in advanced areas. It would be fair to state that Celta are comfortable in dealing with the danger as we stand.
The half has just lost its early tempo with the changes and fouls interrupting the flow of the match. It isn't much of a spectacle as we stand. But that can all change in an instant with the quality of players on display. Meanwhile, it appears that Mario Bermejo will soon enter the field for the away side.
The experienced striker does indeed enter the frame as he replaces Lopez. Atletico remain the team in the driving seat as Rodriguez attempts to craft his way into the Celta box, but their defence continues to stand strong and clear the danger. It is easy to see why they have conceded just five goals in their last seven matches. Meanwhile, Atletico want a foul as Falcao is bundled over by Mallo, but no decision is forthcoming.
Little over 20 minutes of action to play in the Spanish capital and the score remains 0-0. In truth, chances have been at a premium in this second period. However, Atletico continue to look the side most likely. It is a surprise that they have not introduced Adrian Lopez with Costa struggling to exert any sort of influence in this second period.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Varas is on hand to collect the danger on each occasion. Celta really need a period of possession as we enter the latter stages, but they cannot keep hold of the ball with the pressure building. Surely the goal is coming.
First real involvement for Falcao in this second period as the Colombian striker collects possession on the edge of the area before turning and firing a shot towards the top corner, but Cabral makes a fine challenge at the final moment. They have dealt with the striker well this evening. But you get the feeling he could still have some say in the match.
Atletico make their second change of the evening as Costa is indeed replaced by Adrian. Meanwhile, it appears that Mallo will have to be taken off for the away side. It remains all one-way traffic as we enter the latter stages, but Atletico continue to play the same high ball into the area and the danger is cleared once more.
Mallo returns to the field as he attempts to play out the final 15 minutes of action. However, he does not look entirely happy. Celta attempt to break down the other end as Krohn-Dehli spots the run of Aspas, but Miranda comes across to clear the danger.
Celta make their second change of the evening as Jonathan Vila replaces Insa for the final 13 minutes or so. It appears that Vila will slot into the defensive midfield role. Backs against the wall for Celta in the remaining stages. Can they hang on? There could be something in this for them on the counter.
Atletico also make their second change of the evening as Raul Garcia replaces Cisma. Both sides have made tactical changes in the past couple of minutes. It will be nothing more than attack versus defence in the remaining 10 minutes of this match. Another Atletico attack breaks down as Koke loses possession outside the Celta box.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Celta Vigo (Adrian)
OH MY WORD! Adrian puts his side ahead with little over 10 minutes remaining as he plays a one-two with Falcao before striking a wonderful effort into the top corner. You have to give credit to Simeone for his attacking changes in the past few minutes.
CHANCE! Immediate opportunity for the away side to level the scores as Mallo collects possession in the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. What an incredible chance. I am not sure if they will get a better one.
Atletico continue to dominate the possession as we enter the final stages of this match. I just cannot see any possible way how they do not win this game from this position. Turan collects from Falcao before driving into the penalty area, but Mallo is on hand to make the clearance.
CHANCE! Suddenly the chances are falling for both teams as Juanfran drives a low cross into the penalty area, but Vila just manages to clear the danger with Adrian approaching. Meanwhile, Falcao picks up a booking for a late challenge on Bellvis in the penalty area.
Half-chance for Celta to level in the final moments as Oubina finds the run of Aspas with a searching pass, but Miranda just comes across to clear the danger. There is always that threat with the score remaining just 1-0. Meanwhile, Celta make their final change as Fernandez is replaced by De Lucas.
RED CARD: Miranda: Atletico are reduced to 10 men in the final stages as Miranada receives his second booking for a blatant handball outside the penalty area. He will also miss their first match of 2013 along with Turan and Falcao.
The resulting set piece is taken by Aspas. However, he slips in the act of shooting and the ball slices wide of the target. How unfortunate can you be? That was an incredible chance to level the scores. Little over two minutes of football remaining.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the match. Atletico continue to keep hold of the possession and it is difficult to see Celta securing something in the latter stages. But you can never say never in this game.
Not a great deal to report in stoppage time with Atletico in complete control of the possession. Falcao wastes a vital few seconds as he keeps the ball in the attacking third, while Turan searches out the run of Adrian, but his pass is just too long. Little over 30 seconds of football remaining.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. Atletico secure all three points with a 1-0 win over Celta. The result moves them to within six points of Barcelona at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Celta remain in 15th, just two points outside of the relegation zone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football from 4.30pm tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
