Atletico Madrid welcomed Athletic Bilbao on Sunday looking to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to just one point.
David Villa's deflected strike found the back of the net after 33 minutes, before Diego Costa added Atletico's second before the interval.
Bilbao improved in the second period, but could not make the breakthrough as Atletico claimed their 11th league win of the season.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Athletic Bilbao. The home side currently sit four points behind leaders Barcelona, but the Catalan outfit have played one match more. Meanwhile, Bilbao are fifth in the table having collected 20 points from their 11 matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Bilbao. Atletico have won four of the last five matches, including each of the last three in this stadium. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 4-0 win for Atletico, but Bilbao were 3-0 winners on their own patch in January.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Koke; Villa, Costa, Adrian
ATHLETIC BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegi, Laporte, Balenziaga; San Jose, Rico, Benat; De Marcos, Aduriz, Muniain
So there we have it. Tiago comes into the Atletico XI this afternoon, while boss Diego Simeone keeps faith with Adrian Lopez. There is no Arda Turan through injury, while highly-rated youngster Oliver Torres is named on the bench. Out go Ander Herrera and Toquero for Bilbao, with Benat and Aritz Aduriz coming into the XI. Oscar de Marcos also starts for the Basque outfit.
It has been some start to the season for Atletico. They have won 10 of their 11 league matches this season, with their only dropped points coming in a 1-0 loss to Espanyol. Their most impressive result of the season occurred in the Bernabeu when they beat Real Madrid 1-0. Another three points this afternoon would close the gap on Barcelona to just one point.
Home form was key for Atletico last season and it appears that will also be the case this time around. They have won each of their five games in this stadium, scoring 18 times and conceding just four in the process. In Diego Costa, they also have the in-form striker in Spain, with the 25-year-old netting 12 times in the league thus far.
The goals have been flowing as a team for Atletico with 26 strikes in their 11 matches this season. That is in contrast to Bilbao, who have managed 16 goals. Down the other end, Atletico Madrid also have the best defensive record in the league with just seven goals conceded. However, Bilbao have also been fairly tight defensively with just 13 strikes against them.
Atletico will be expected to pick up all the points this afternoon, but Bilbao will have other ideas. The Basque outfit have lost just one of their last five matches in the league and have recorded impressive wins over Getafe and Villarreal in recent weeks. As it stands, they currently sit fifth in the table having collected 20 points from their 11 matches.
However, much of their success this season has been built on a strong home record. In fact, they are one of only three teams – the other two being Barcelona and Atletico – that have not lost on their own patch this season. Each of their three defeats have come on the road, but they are playing some of their best football in recent years.
PREDICTION: Three points for Bilbao this afternoon would move them into fourth spot in the table and they will indeed enter the match full of confidence. However, it is difficult to look last Atletico this afternoon, especially on their own patch. My score prediction is 3-1 Atletico.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that Tiago comes in for Atletico, while Adrian also starts. Bilbao, meanwhile, leave Herrera on the bench. The away side get the action underway.
You just get the feeling that Bilbao need to score first if they are to take something from this match. If possible they need to quieten the home support, who are in fine voice in the Spanish capital. Atletico are in their home strip of red and white stripes, while Bilbao are in their blue kit. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture in the Vicente Calderon.
Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to take control of the tempo as they enjoy a period of possession in the Bilbao half. However, a poor challenge from Miranda on Aduriz allows the away side some respite. Diego Costa is down the other end moments later, but his cross is collected by Iraizoz in the Bilbao goal.
Encouraging start from Bilbao as they pass and probe outside the Atletico box before De Marcos finds Balenziaga inside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Both managers are currently prowling the touchline as they look for any chinks in the opposing side. No clear chances for either side thus far with six minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that three points for Atletico would move them to within one point of leaders Barcelona. Meanwhile, a win for the away side would move them into fourth. Certainly an important match for both teams. Miranda is booked moments later for a foul on Aduriz, but the resulting free kick comes to nothing as the referee awards a free kick to Atletico.
First real sign of Costa for the home side as the Spaniard drives past two defenders before attempting to test Iraizoz, but the angle was always against him and his effort smashes into the side netting. Bilbao attempt to counter down the other end moments later, but Godin is across to repel the threat from Muniain.
Another half-chance for the home side as Costa's cross finds the head of Villa, but the Spaniard cannot make proper contact with his head. In keeping with the end-to-end start, Benat delivers a dangerous cross down the other end, but Luis manages to clear. Plenty happening with 13 minutes on the clock in Madrid.
Poor defending from the away side as Laporte gets in a mess with his own goalkeeper, but Iraizoz just manages to clear under pressure from Villa. Neither side has really threatened to open the scoring thus far, but both are certainly offering an attacking threat. Bilbao have come to play this evening.
Surprisingly slow start from Atletico in this match with Bilbao comfortable in dealing with the threat from the home side thus far. A free kick arrives for Diego Simeone's side outside the box moments later as San Jose fells Villa, but the resulting set piece comes to nothing as Villa fires straight at Iraizoz.
Bilbao continue to play their football in the final third with the likes of Benat, Mikel Rico and De Marcos prepared to join forward areas at every opportunity. However, their final pass has not been there thus far. Still we wait for the first real chance of proceedings with 20 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Finally a clear chance does arrive and it falls the way of Atletico striker Costa. However, the Spaniard's effort is just wide of the post after he had moved past two defenders down the left. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with both sides of supporters contributing.
Handbags between both sets of players as Godin dives into the back of Aduriz, collecting a yellow card for his troubles. Both Atletico centre-backs are now on bookings and both have been for challenges on the Bilbao forward. The resulting free kick is delivered deep into the Atletico box, but Aduriz's header just flicks wide of the post.
Bilbao continue to threaten with a series of deep crosses into the box, but it is playing into the hands of the Atletico back four. The likes of Godin and Miranda just need to be careful here as they continue to fell Aduriz, who also appears to take an arm in the face from Juanfran. He has been picked out for some rough treatment here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Villa collects a loose ball inside the box, but his powerful effort is saved by Iraizoz, before Gurpegi manages to hook clear at the vital moment. The pressure is just starting to rise from the capital outfit with 30 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Villa as the former Barcelona striker finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. No real link in midfield for the home side at the moment, but Costa and Villa are more involved. Bilbao, meanwhile, have gone slightly quiet in the final third.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Bilbao (Villa)
The home side take the lead with 33 minutes on the clock as Villa's powerful effort whistles into the bottom corner. It might have been a slight deflection off San Jose, but that will go down as a Villa goal. Perfect time to open the scoring.
Stop-start period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides suffering knocks and strains. Balenziaga departs the field for the away side after clashing with Juanfran, but does return following a period of treatment. Real underlying ill-feeling in this particular match. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
Bilbao are forced into a change here as Balenziaga is forced to depart having suffered that ankle injury a matter of minutes ago. His replacement is Erik Moran. Atletico want a penalty moments later as San Jose appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested.
You just get the feeling that Bilbao need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Atletico do not have the best defensive record in the league by accident. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico would move to within one point of leaders Barcelona. However, there is still a lot of football to be played.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Bilbao (Costa)
Atletico lead 2-0 in the Spanish capital as Costa bursts into the Bilbao box before sliding his effort into the bottom corner. Another wonderful piece of work from the in-form striker. He now has 13 league goals this season.
Atletico have not been at their best in this half, but they lead 2-0 against a team that has been in very good form in recent weeks, which tells you all that you need to know about their ability as a team this season. Wonderful noise inside the stadium as we approach the final stages of the first period.
The referee indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Atletico continue to pressure in the latter stages of the half with a couple of deep crosses into the Bilbao box, but San Jose and Iraola take it in turns to clear the danger.
HALF TIME: Atletico 2-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 2-0 at the interval. Villa continued his fine scoring run with a goal after 33 minutes, before Costa notched his 13th league strike of the season four minutes before the interval. It is a long way back for the Basque outfit.
STATISTICS: Atletico have had more of the ball with 52% possession in the first period, while they have had eight attempts - five of which has been on target - to Bilbao's one off target. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to issue four yellow cards in a high-tempo first half of football in Madrid.
BENCH WATCH: Atletico have a number of options on their bench in the shape of Raul Garcia, Oliver Torres and Cristian Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Bilbao have the likes of Ibai Gomez, Ander Herrera and Markel Susaeta in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see both managers make changes in the second period, but for very different reasons.
As it stands, Atletico are moving to within one point of leaders Barcelona at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Bilbao would remain fifth, level on points with fourth-place Villarreal, who face Elche tomorrow evening. Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Atletico get the action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I expect that to change if the score remains the same around the hour mark. The next goal - if we indeed have one - could decide the outcome of the match. Costa has a half-chance in the early stages, but he slips inside the box at the final moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Luis finds some space inside the Bilbao box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but Iraizoz is on hand to collect. Bilbao break down the other end with Muniain, but the Spaniard is penalised for handball. High-tempo start to the second period in the Spanish capital.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. Atletico have another half-chance moments later as Adrian's cross comes close to finding Villa, but San Jose clears at the vital moment. Plenty happening in the Vicente Calderon with 53 minutes on the clock.
Atletico continue to force the issue with a couple of free kicks outside the box, but neither come close to worrying Iraizoz in the Bilbao goal. You suspect that Diego Simeone could attempt to rest a couple of players in the latter stages with Champions League football to come next week. Another goal would certainly make sure of all three points.
Bilbao make their second change of the match with Susaeta replacing Benat, who has really struggled to make an impact since joining from Real Betis in the summer. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, meanwhile, with Atletico comfortable with their lead intact.
Still no movement on the Atletico bench, but it would not be a surprise to see the likes of Costa and Villa replaced in the final 30 minutes with more pressing matters ahead. However, Diego Simeone will want another goal. That almost comes as Villa meets a cross from Juanfran, but his header is straight at Iraizoz.
Opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a set piece as Juanfran fells Rico outside the box. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Susaeta, but it is comfortable for Courtois. Atletico are down the other end with Adrian moments later, but the move breaks down in the final third. It remains 2-0 to Atletico with little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their third as Koke spots the run of Costa, who collects and finds Villa on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Wonderful noise inside the stadium, meanwhile, as both sets of supporters continue to make their voices heard.
Atletico continue to force the issue with a series of high balls into the Bilbao box, but the away side have been impressive in the second period. That said, Bilbao continue to struggle to create chances in the final third. It is comfortable for Atletico at the moment with their two-goal lead leaving them in a dominant position.
Villa continues to look the most likely for the home side as he collects a through pass from Koke, but the former Barcelona striker just does not have the pace to move away from Iraola at the final moment. Bilbao are down the other end with Aduriz moments later, but the Spaniard cannot fight off the challenge of Miranda.
Bilbao are forced into their third and final change of the evening as Albizua replaces Laporte, who picked up a knock some five minutes ago. One goal for the away would set the match up for a grandstand finish, but Atletico are comfortable at the moment. Still no movement on the home side's bench with 71 minutes on the clock.
Atletico do indeed look to their bench moments later as midfielder Raul Garcia replaces Adrian, who receives a warm applause from the stadium. It hasn't quite happened for the Spaniard this season, but he has the support of his manager there is no question about that. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments.
Moran takes matters into his own hands for the away side moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Costa takes on Moran down the other end moments later, but the Bilbao midfielder wins the battle. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Garcia and Costa both booked for Atletico in quick succession. In truth, it has been a poor second period in terms of chances, but the damage had been done in the first period. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining. There is no sign of a Bilbao comeback as it stands, but there is still time.
Another half-chance for Costa as the Spaniard collects possession inside the Bilbao box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort just moved high and wide of the crossbar at the final moment. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Levante against Granada.
RED CARD! Bilbao are reduced to 10 men as Moran picks up his second yellow card for a poor challenge on Godin. The task has just got that bit harder for the Basque outfit.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as the poor discipline continues with both sides diving into a number of challenges. Wonderful noise inside the stadium, however, with 82 minutes on the clock. Atletico are heading for their 11th league win of the season.
CHANCE! Bilbao's best chance of the match falls to Muniain as the Spaniard dances past two challenges before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. That would have made the final five minutes or so very interesting.
Atletico make their second change of the match in the latter stages as Rodriguez replaces Villa, who opened the scoring in the first period. Four goals in three games for the former Barcelona forward. Rodriguez is immediately involved as he drives into the Bilbao box, but San Jose is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Atletico comfortable in possession. In truth, Bilbao have not looked like taking something from this match at any point during the evening. It has been as comfortable as the home side could have hoped for. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in the Spanish capital.
The home supporters are in fine voice in the latter stages as they create a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Muniain attempts to release Aduriz on the break, but his pass is too long. That should be just about that.
FULL TIME: Atletico 2-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Atletico winning 2-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Levante against Granada. Until then!
