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Atletico Madrid logo
La Liga
Mar 15, 2014 at 9pm UK
 
Espanyol logo

1-0

Costa (55')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Diego Costa goal secures victory for Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa's second-half goal is the difference between Atletico Madrid and Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid have defeated Espanyol 1-0 at Vicente Calderon to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid back to three points in La Liga.

Real's narrow victory over Malaga earlier in the day ensured they held a six-point lead over their city rivals, but Diego Costa's first-half strike has reduced the deficit once more.

The first chance of the contest fell to Atletico striker David Villa, who got on the end of a Gabi free kick, but he failed to beat Kiko Casilla in the Espanyol goal.

Diego Costa of Atletico de Madrid strikes the ball during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and RCD Espanyol at Vicente Calderon Stadium on March 15, 2014© Getty Images

Gabi had a chance of his own shortly after when he met a loose ball in the opposition area, but his volley flew high and wide of the target.

It was not all the home side's way, however, as Sergio Garcia turned inside the box before getting an effort in at goal which had to be kept out by Thibaut Courtois to keep the score level.

The Rojiblancos took the lead with 56 minutes on the clock through Costa, who drove into the opposition area following a pass from Villa, before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

Costa had the opportunity to double his side's tally when he burst past three defenders before rounding Casilla, but he took the ball too wide and could not hit the target.

With the scoreline still delicately poised at 1-0, Espanyol remained in the contest, and Christian Stuani reminded the home side exactly that after 72 minutes when he nearly converted at the back post, only for Costa to clear the danger.

Courtois was called into action once more to deny David Lopez, whose low effort was heading for the back of the net before the Chelsea loanee pushed it away.

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Atletico boss Diego Simeone on the touchline against Rayo on August 25, 2013
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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