Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Riazor as Deportivo La Coruna welcome Atletico Madrid. Both sides are in need of the points, but for very different reasons indeed. Depor have dropped into the bottom three at the business end of the season, while Atletico have a fight on their hands to secure a top-four finish. It is another massive game in Spain's top flight.

Depor have only won one of their last 12 league games against Atletico, while in the last six meetings between the two sides, Depor have not scored a single goal and shipped 14 in the process, which will be a worry ahead of this clash. The reverse match earlier this season ended in a comfortable 2-0 Atletico win, but the last league fixture in this particular stadium finished goalless in May 2013.

The home side have gone nine league games without a win – losing five times in the process. That run of form has left them in 18th position in the table, but they are level on points (28) with 17th-place Almeria. They have won four league games at home this season, but also been beaten seven times.

Atletico, meanwhile, have gone eight league matches without defeat, which is their best run this season. They have dropped points in eight of their 15 away league games this season, however, which has cost them the chance to launch another title challenge. As it stands, they are third in the table and now 12 points behind the league leaders Barcelona, who have just beaten Valencia at the Camp Nou.

TEAMS:

DEPOR: Fabricio; Juanfran, Lopo, Sidnei, Luisinho; Alex, Medunjanin; Cavaleiro, Lucas; Riera, Toche

ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Gamez; Tiago, Koke, Saul; Turan, Garcia, Griezmann

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It is a must-win game for the home side and don't they know it. The hosts get the first 45 minutes of action underway here.

It has been a bright start from the home side, with Cavaleiro already breaking into the Atletico box, but Godin is across to clear at the vital moment. Depor will be looking for a fast start to proceedings here.

Atletico, who have been so dangerous from set pieces this season, have the chance to threaten from that avenue as Tiago delivers from a deep area, but Garcia cannot make contact inside a crowded box.

First blood to Atletico! The home side take the lead with five minutes on the clock as Griezmann beats the offside trap before scissor-kicking one into the top corner. Some finish from the Frenchman!

Deportivo wanted offside, but Griezmann was level with the final defender. Not sure about some of the defending from the home side, but credit Griezmann. His fine form in front of goal has continued!

BOOKING! Koke (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Juanfran.

Again it is good goalkeeping from Oblak as the Atletico stopper comes to claim a high ball, which threatened to cause problems inside the away side's box. Still 1-0 to Atletico at the Riazor here.

It has been a decent response from the home side, with Gamez and Juanfran both forced to clear their lines under pressure from the two wingers. The home supporters are also in good voice here.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Depor have managed to stem the flow of pressure and they are squeezing up the field. Not much from Atletico since their goal.

Just a reminder that Atletico are currently 12 points behind the league leaders Barcelona, who have just beaten Valencia 2-0 at the Camp Nou. The title is gone, but they need to focus on making the top four. Deportivo once again manage to clear following a spell of advanced possession from the visitors.

Depor are making good ground down the left at the moment as Luisinho breaks past Gamez, but the final ball is just not there at the moment and Atletico manage to clear. Still 1-0 to the hosts here.

It is the Griezmann show at the moment! That is now 20 league goals for the season as the Frenchman reacts first to a loose ball inside the box before firing into the bottom corner. Another super finish!

Deportivo just need to be really careful here as Atletico continue to force the issue. Griezmann is threatening to run riot as he is fed by Garcia, but Lopo is just across to make a vital challenge.

BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is booked for a strong challenge on Riera.

The resulting free kick is eventually delivered from deep, but Atletico manage to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the home side need to find a goal in the next five or 10 minutes here.

As it stands, Depor would remain in the relegation zone, while Atletico would strengthen their grip on third. Garcia tries his luck from the half-way line, but his effort was always moving over the bar.

Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Atletico are going in search of a third goal, which would certainly kill the game at this stage. Nothing much from the hosts at the moment.

Depor replaced their manager recently due to some poor performances, but they have been second best by some distance in this one. They just cannot keep the ball at the moment against the champions.

Just a reminder that after this match, we have live commentary of Real Madrid against Malaga so be sure to stick around for that one. Atletico continue to pass and probe in the final third here.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments, with a series of late challenges bringing intervention. In truth, Atletico are very comfortable at the moment as they continue to dominate the ball. The home side just are not threatening in the final third here.

It has been a touch better from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Toche and Perez offering width, but Godin is across to clear once again and Atletico can push down the field.

Not too much happening in terms of chances at the moment as we approach the final stages of this first period, which has flown past. Griezmann has been the difference between the two sides thus far.

Half-chance for Atletico to score a third as Tiago curls one towards the top corner, but his effort just missed the far post. It appears that Simeone has been sent to the stands here as well?

Indeed he has, Simeone has been sent to the stands after exchanging words with the referee!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 2-0 courtesy of a double from Griezmann. The Frenchman's first came after five minutes, before he added a second 17 minutes later. In truth, Deportivo have really struggled to make their mark in the first 45 minutes.

STATS! Atletico have shaded the possession with 51%, while they have had six attempts - three of which have been on target. Depor, meanwhile, have failed to hit the target thus far. There have been three yellow cards - all of which have come for Atletico. The hosts have really struggled here.

BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Cuenca, Dominguez and Farina among those that are in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cani, Jimenez and Torres. Will we see any changes at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can the home side find a route back into this game? It is the Spanish champions that get the second 45 minutes underway.

SUB! Depor have made one change at the break, with Farina replacing Perez.

Atletico have started this second period on the front foot, with Griezmann already causing problems in the final third, but the Frenchman cannot slide a pass into Garcia, who had pulled off Sidnei.

It has been a decent spell for Depor in the last couple of minutes, but the away side are dealing with everything that is coming into their box. Atletico are comfortable with their two-goal lead here.

Depor have the chance to deliver from a set piece, but Medunjanin cannot beat the first man and the danger is cleared. Atletico break down the other end moments later, but Garcia's effort is just wide.

Griezmann takes matters into his own hands for Atletico as he drives past three or four defenders, but the Frenchman cannot evade Sidnei and the danger is cleared. Depor manage to deliver from a wide position in their next attack, but Toche is penalised for a strong challenge on Spaniard Juanfran.

BOOKING! Toche (Depor) is booked for that foul on Juanfran.

In fairness to Depor, they are attempting to force the issue, which they need to do at this stage of the game. However, they are really struggling to create clear opportunities and time is not on their side.

SUB! Atletico make their first change as Jimenez replaces Turan.

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and in truth, not too much is happening at the moment in terms of chances, for either team. Atletico will be happy to close this game out 2-0 at the Riazor.

Griezmann remains a danger for the away side and comes close to meeting a super pass from Jimenez, but Fabricio is out to claim at the vital moment. Not too much happening in either final third here.

SUB! Depor make their second change as Luisinho is replaced by Dominguez.

You just get the feeling that Deportivo will create one big chance in the next 10 or 15 minutes and it would put a different complexion on the game. A third goal for Atletico would kill it, but neither side has created too much in the second period. The visitors are preparing their second change here.

SUB! Atletico make their second change as Torres replaces Griezmann.

CHANCE! Clear chance for the home side as Dominguez meets a low cross from Bergantinos, but the midfielder's effort is straight at Oblak. Not the best contact from the substitute!

Depor have another opportunity to deliver from a set piece, but Oblak is on hand to claim once again. Medunjanin's quality from free kicks has been very disappointing this evening. Still 2-0 Atletico here.

Depor continue to press as another ball is delivered from a wide area, but Gimenez is on hand to clear for a corner, which is also dealt with by the Spanish champions. The home side continue to threaten, but their quality in the final third has been poor and Atletico are a threat on the counter here.

BOOKING! Sidnei (Deportivo) is booked for a late challenge on Koke.

CHANCES! Jimenez, Torres and Garcia all have wonderful chances for Atletico in quick succession, but Garcia and Torres are denied by Fabricio, before Jimenez has one cleared off the line!

For all Deportivo's possession in this second period - and there has been plenty - Atletico should have just put the game to bed with those three excellent chances. Little under 15 minutes remaining.

Possession football from Atletico in the last couple of moments, which if frustrating Deportivo at this stage of the match. As it stands, the home side will remain in the relegation zone this evening.

Game on! Deportivo are back in this game as Riera converts at the near post following a super run and cross from Sidnei. Where did that come from, excellent from the centre-back! Now then...

... SUB! Depor make their third and final change as Cuenca replaces Toche.

BOOKING! Oblak (Atletico) is booked for dissent.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to score a third as Torres delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Juanfran just manages to turn behind his own post. Almost an own goal!

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, which is allowing Atletico to create chances as well as the home side. Is there another goal in this game? Do not bet against it as the tempo remains high.

Atletico are just slowing the game at the moment with a series of free kicks, which is frustrating the home supporters. You still get the feeling that there is another big chance in this game.

Deportivo continue to deliver balls into the Atletico box, but it is playing into the hands of Godin and Gimenez, who are so strong from those positions. The visitors still lead 2-1 at the Riazor here.

Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Atletico will not mind, however, with their lead still in tact.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the Riazor.

Depor continue to deliver, but Atletico continue to clear. Story of this second period!

It appears that the home side are going to lose this game, but they have given it a real go in the second period and caused the champions of Spain all sorts of problems. Still more than one minute to play!

Atletico win another free kick inside their own box and time is fast running out here.

So there we have it. Atletico hold on to record all three points at the Riazor. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening from La Coruna!