Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 2-0 victory at Eibar on Saturday evening.
Fernando Torres set up Angel Correa for the first goal just past the hour, before the same two players combined for the second, with Torres finishing 13 minutes from time.
The result has moved Atletico into second in the table behind Real Madrid, while Eibar have dropped one place to sixth.
Here, Sports Mole has dissected the 90 minutes of action at the Ipurua.
Match statistics
EIBAR
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 40%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 13
ATLETICO
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 60%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 6
Was the result fair?
Even the most ardent of Eibar supporters would find it difficult to make a case for their team in this one. The hosts were full of running and hard work throughout the 90 minutes, but ultimately did not have the quality to make use of the forward territory that they managed to gain. Statistics rarely paint a false picture in football and the fact that Atletico dominated almost all of the important areas is an indication of what occurred on the night. It was the type of match where the first goal was always going to be vital and when it came for Atletico, Eibar's challenge faded.
A tight first period brought few chances for either team, but the opportunities that did arrive came for Atletico, with Jackson Martinez coming close on two separate occasions. By the 62nd minute, Atletico boss Diego Simeone had made all three changes and two of those - Correa and Fernando Torres - combined for the goals. Eibar entered the match having not lost in the league this season, but they were simply second best against an Atletico team that recorded their second 2-0 away win in the space of four days, having overcome Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Eibar's performance
It is perhaps slightly unfair to suggest that Jose Luis Mendilibar selected a negative XI against Atletico, but a lack of chances created was ultimately the story of their night. Sergi Enrich was given the difficult task of leading the line and against two monsters in the shape of Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin, it was a tough evening for the Spaniard. Ander Capa and Antonio Luna were given licence to break forward, especially in the second period, but the lack of quality from wide areas was a feature of the home side's performance. Only an excellent save from Asier Riesgo prevented Atletico from taking the lead in the 22nd minute, but there was a distinct lack of opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, with both teams, not just Eibar, struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third of the field. The depth of the two squads were shown with the changes that Atletico made, however, which changed the game in the second 45 minutes.
Most of the football was played in front of the Eibar defence in the first period, but the introduction of Fernando Torres turned the tide. Mauro dos Santos and Ivan Ramis at the heart of the back four were no longer comfortable with what was occurring and when Correa opened the scoring just past the hour, it was a long way back for Eibar. In fairness to the hosts, they did their best to commit numbers forward and threaten in the final third, but there was simply not enough care with the final pass, which made it a very comfortable night for Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Enrich had Eibar's best chance of the second period, but that did not come until the 68th minute and it was not overly troubling for Oblak. Losing at home to Atletico is no disgrace, but they will be keen to put another win on the board as soon as possible.
Atletico's performance
Having had a testing night in Turkey on Tuesday, it was a surprise that Simeone did not make more alterations to his XI. It was the same front three that took to the field against Galatasaray, but it proved to be a fairly frustrating night for both Martinez and Luciano Vietto, who were replaced at the interval. Neither can have any complaints, however, with those that entered, including Fernando Torres and Correa, both contributing to the three points. It was a laboured first-half performance from the capital side, whose best chance arrived in the 22nd minute when Martinez met a loose ball inside the box, only to bring a smart save from Riesgo. It was a bit of a surprise that Simeone made two of his three alterations at the interval, but it almost paid dividends in the 50th minute, with Filipe Luis coming close to beating Riesgo with a strike from distance. There did appear to be a European hangover, however, which would have given Eibar hope.
Less than 60 seconds after entering, however, Correa opened the scoring when he combined with Fernando Torres before finishing from close range. There was immediate spark about the team following the opener, with Oliver Torres coming close to a second just four minutes later. Godin and Gimenez were not overly worried at the back as the second half progressed, but a two-goal cushion arrived in the 77th minute when Correa turned provider for Fernando Torres, who expertly finished into the bottom corner. It was far from a pretty performance from Simeone's team, but it was the type of match that they won en route to lifting the league title in the 2013-14 campaign. Entering the match, Atletico had not lost back-to-back league games since 2012 and that is still the case after recovering from the loss to Barcelona. Simeone still needs to work out his best team, but his options in the final third suggest that another title challenge is possible.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Fernando Torres: The Atletico striker only entered at the break, but he made such a big contribution. Martinez was a touch unlucky to be subbed at the break, but the decision from Simeone cannot be questioned. Torres did excellently to set up Correa for the first goal of the match, before showing his finishing ability 13 minutes from time to send the visitors 2-0 ahead. Eibar just could not live with the Spaniard, whose extra yard of pace seems to have returned.
Biggest gaffe
Juanfran could afford to smile late on after not being made to pay for a bad error, but on another night, it might have cost his team. A lack of communication led to the Atletico defender heading past his own goalkeeper inside the box, but the Spaniard had the speed to chase back and prevent the ball from crossing the line. In the end, it was an error that went unpunished, but Simeone will be reminding his defender of the concentration levels expected throughout the whole game.
Referee performance
In truth, referee Alejandro Hernandez had a very comfortable night. It was a match that had some spicy challenges, but the official, who only issued three yellow cards, never looked like losing control. It was not the best game to watch at times, but that had nothing to do with Hernandez, who was prepared to let the game flow when possible. Neither manager will have too many complaints with the man in the middle.
What next?
Eibar: Eibar are next in La Liga action away to Levante on Wednesday evening.
Atletico: The capital outfit will host Getafe in the league on Tuesday evening.
Matt Law
