Atletico Madrid picked up their first three points of the new La Liga season with a 2-1 win over Eibar this evening.
Goals from Miranda and Mario Mandzukic had handed Atletico a 2-0 lead after 26 minutes.
Eibar had one back through Abraham Minero after 33 minutes, but could not find a second despite a spirited display.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
Atletico
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 43%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12
Eibar
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 57%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 18
Was the result fair?
In short, no. Even the most ardent of Atletico supporter would find it difficult to argue that their side deserved to pick up all three points this evening. On paper, it looked to be a straightforward three points for the league champions. However, Eibar had not read the script and gave Diego Simeone's side an almighty scare in the capital. It did appear that Atletico would run away with the match after moving into a comfortable 2-0 lead, but Eibar responded with a stunner from Abraham and continued to cause problems in the second period. The statistics suggest that Atletico created more opportunities, but the better chances fell to the away side, who might feel that they did enough to win it, let alone gain a point.
Atletico's performance
Atletico were fortunate to claim a point in last week's derby against Rayo Vallecano and Simeone will be counting his blessings again this evening. It took a little bit of time for the champions to get into their groove, but after taken the lead after 12 minutes and doubling their tally 14 minutes later, it should have been a comfortable evening. Eibar were not interested in giving respect to the home team, however, and responded after 33 minutes. Last season, Atletico would have gone on to win the match comfortably from such a strong position, but they lacked midfield control, which was strange with Gabi and Koke both in the XI. Mandzukic opened his league tally, but struggled to influence the match for long spells, while the same can be said for Antoine Griezmann. Ultimately it was another strong defensive showing that gained Atletico a positive result, but they had to rely on Eibar missing chances, especially in the second period. There is much to ponder for Simeone, who was once more in the stands due to his touchline ban.
Eibar's performance
When taking into account how far Eibar have come in the last couple of years, it is extremely difficult to put their performance this evening into words. Many had predicted that they would be on the end of a hiding at the Calderon, but the Segunda Division champions more than matched the La Liga champions for long spells. They were guilty of some poor defending in the first period, with Atletico scoring from two set pieces, but they showed brilliant character to respond. Atletico, in theory, should have dominated the second period, but that was simply not the case, with the away side in charge of the possession and indeed creating the better opportunities. Javi Lara in particular was extremely instrumental, while their play in the final third suggested that there are goals in the team. Ultimately it was a defeat for Eibar, but they can take so many positives from their display tonight.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Javi Lara: It was Lara's stunning free kick last weekend that helped his side record their first-ever La Liga win with a 1-0 success over Real Sociedad. Tonight was a different challenge for the 28-year-old, but he answered the call once more. The midfielder might not have found the back of the net, but he was such a threat in the final third. The Spaniard's delivery from wide areas, both from set pieces and in general play, was terrific, while he was involved in everything good about Eibar's performance. Lara returned to the club from Ponferradina this summer and has already made a serious impression in his first two La Liga matches.
Biggest gaffe
In general play, Eibar were brilliant this evening. However, it was their first-half defending from two set pieces that cost them the chance to take something from the capital. Miranda was allowed a free header to send Atletico ahead from a corner, before Mandzukic arrived unmarked to head Atletico's second from a free kick. It was really poor marking from the newly-promoted outfit, which will be all the more frustrating for their supporters when taking into account their performance as a whole.
Referee performance
Overall, it was a fairly routine night for referee Eduardo Prieto. The Spaniard did not produce a single yellow card in the first period and although three arrived in the second, there were not too many complaints. The fact that the match was such an end-to-end affair is an indication that Prieto was not keen on becoming unnecessarily involved.
What next?
Atletico: Just the small matter of a trip to Real Madrid in the league on September 13.
Eibar: Eibar welcome fellow newly-promoted outfit Deportivo La Coruna on September 15.
Matt Law
