Atletico Madrid welcomed Eibar to the Vicente Calderon in La Liga on Saturday evening.
Atletico were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano in their league opener on Monday.
However, the league champions picked up all the points against the newly-promoted outfit with a 2-1 success.
Goals from Miranda and Mario Mandzukic left Atletico 2-0 ahead, but Abraham Minero had one back for Eibar after 33 minutes.
Eibar continued to impress in the second period, but could not find a second as Atletico took all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's La Liga coverage continues from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Eibar to the Vicente Calderon. Atletico were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano last weekend, but Eibar will enter the match full of confidence following a 1-0 success over Real Sociedad. Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Madrid.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Suarez, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Mandzukic, Garcia
EIBAR: Irureta; Boveda, Albentosa, Navas, Abraham; Garcia, Errasti; Capa, Arruabarrena, Lara; Angel
So there we have it. Raul Garcia returns to the Atletico XI this evening, while Guilherme Siqueira also comes in for his league debut after picking up an injury in the warm-up against Rayo. The remainder of the team is as expected, with Mario Mandzukic leading the line with support from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann.
Eibar, meanwhile, line up with Angel Rodriguez and Mikel Arruabarrena as their most advanced forwards. Javi Lara and Ander Capa are also in the XI as expected, while on-loan Real Sociedad defender Raul Navas comes in for his first start of the season. Both lineups suggest that we could be in for an open match!
Last season, Atletico won their first La Liga title since the 1995/96 campaign, but they lost a number of key players in the summer. Reinforcements have arrived, but it will take time for the new additions to settle. As mentioned, Diego Simeone's side could only draw 0-0 with rivals Rayo Vallecano in their league opener last Monday. They were perhaps lucky to escape with a point against Paco Jemez's side.
As mentioned, Atletico were slightly fortunate to escape with a point from Rayo, who dominated much of the second period and created a number of opportunities. Tonight is a good chance to put three points on the board and it is a must with Real Madrid and Barcelona both opening their campaigns with wins – Barca beat Elche 3-0 at the Camp Nou, while Madrid opened with a 2-0 success over Cordoba at the Bernabeu.
The goals have not exactly flowed for Atletico in recent weeks, meanwhile, with just two in their last three games. They have conceded just once, however, and that run of form was enough for them to win the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid. The result against Rayo was disappointing, but it could prove to be a valuable point when the table is addressed in the a couple of months.
Eibar lost just nine times on their way to winning the Segunda Division last season, while they had the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 28 times. The quality of the forward lines in La Liga will be of a much higher standard, however, and it difficult to see where the goals are coming from down the other end. In fact, Eibar scored just 49 times in their 42 league games last season.
That said, they won their first ever La Liga match on the opening weekend of the season, beating European hopefuls Real Sociedad 1-0. How Eibar fare this season is not going to depend on their results at places such as the Calderon, with their home form certain to be crucial. They will not be overawed tonight, however, after more than matching Sociedad last time out.
Right, what about a prediction for this match then? Do Eibar have a chance? Well, you can take a look at what I had to say here, speaking on the Sports Mole Sofa...
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first half. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is Atletico that get the action underway.
Antes del incio del partido paseillo en honor al campeón de liga pic.twitter.com/Gvc0zndLqF
— S.D. Eibar (@sd_eibar) August 30, 2014
Atletico did not lose a single league game in this stadium last season - it is a big ask for Eibar. As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere and Atletico have started on the front foot. Koke attempts to find Garcia on the edge of the box, but Navas is out to clear at the vital moment.
Griezmann, on his home debut, comes close to opening the scoring after showing wonderful feet on the edge of the box, but his final effort is high and wide of the crossbar. All Atletico in the early moments.
Half-chance for Eibar to threaten as Javi Lara stands over a free kick in a wide position. The delivery is into the near post, but Mandzukic does enough to clear behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is once again delivered by Lara, but Mandzukic clears again. He is fantastic in the air.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Atletico have a free kick some 40 yards from goal, but Griezmann's delivery is poor. Still no real chances for either side with seven minutes on the clock.
Plenty for the Eibar supporters to be pleased with in the opening 10 minutes as their side continues to threaten from set pieces. Lara is again on free kick duty following a rash challenge from Suarez, but Garcia is on hand to head clear. It has been a match of free kick after free kick thus far.
Around 200 supporters have made the trip from Eibar for this match and the away supporters are making their voices heard. The Calderon support, however, has been slightly withdrawn thus far. Still no real chances and in truth, Atletico are finding it difficult to dominate the ball against this smart Eibar outfit.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Eibar (Miranda)
Atletico lead with 11 minutes on the clock as Brazilian centre-back Miranda heads home a Koke corner. Where on earth was the marking? The defender ghosted into the box and flicked home from close range.
Well, that is not what Eibar would have wanted - am Atletico goal inside the opening 15 minutes. You just get the feeling that Eibar need to keep it tight for the next 10 minutes or so.
Half-chance for Eibar as Lara sets Angel free inside the Atletico box, but the Spaniard loses control before flying into the back of Godin, who is left on the ground. Eibar have certainly offered enough inside the opening 16 minutes to suggest that they can cause Atletico problems this evening.
Eibar are more than prepared to commit players forward each time they break, but they are leaving space for Atletico and the likes of Koke and Griezmann are starting to see more of the ball. Koke attempts to release Garcia with a through pass, but Navas is across to clear at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last five minutes or so, but Atletico have a greater control in the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that Eibar need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Atletico rarely concede at home, let alone two goals.
Just a reminder that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are in action tomorrow. Madrid travel to Real Sociedad, while Barcelona make the trip to Villarreal. Be sure to join us for those two games. Back to this match - Siqueira drives down the left for Atletico, but Boveda brings the Brazilian to the ground.
Suarez tries his luck for Atletico after finding some space outside the box, but his effort smashes into Navas. Griezmann threatens to meet the bounce, but Eibar goalkeeper Irureta is out to clear.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Eibar (Mandzukic)
Atletico have their second of the night as Mandzukic heads a free kick from Gabi into the far corner. Two set pieces and two goals for the home side. Poor from Eibar once again.
Eibar have been neat and tidy on the ball this evening, but their marking has been extremely poor. Atletico have not had to do too much to lead 2-0 here. It could be a long and difficult night for Eibar.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to number three as Griezmann drives to the edge of the box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post.
Strong chance for Eibar to threaten here as the away side are awarded a free kick just on the edge of the box following an altercation between Koke and Capa. Can Eibar take advantage...
... SAVE! Lara fires the free kick towards the bottom corner, but Moya is on hand to make a brilliant save. Top goalkeeping from the summer signing.
GOAL! Atletico 2-1 Eibar (Abraham)
Oh my good grief what a goal. Eibar have one back here as Abraham races to the edge of the Atletico box before combining with Arruabarrena and curling one into the top corner. He set it a couple of yards outside the post, but it bent into the corner. That was just a little bit special it must be said.
Well, game on at the Calderon! Eibar are now full of confidence as they pass and probe in the final third. Had they been more solid from two set pieces then they would be ahead here. There is a story brewing...
SAVE! Garcia comes close to making it 3-1 Atletico as he curls one from the edge of the box, but the Eibar goalkeeper is on hand to make a stunning save. What a game in Madrid!
This match started off quite laboured, but it has developed into a wonderful fixture. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Eibar are giving as good as they get here. The next goal, however, if there indeed is one, is just vital. Another for Atletico and Eibar would be in serious bother.
Atletico threaten with another set piece as Gabi plays it short to Koke, who floats a dangerous cross into the box, but Navas is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Eibar are down the other end with Arruabarrena moments later, but the forward just loses his footing and fires wide of the post - good chance.
Another half-chance, this time for Atletico, as Koke delivers towards the far post where Mandzukic is hovering, but Boveda is on hand to clear with a brilliant header. Much better defensively from Eibar.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the Calderon.
Half-chance for Atletico late in the half as Koke feeds Griezmann inside the Elche box, the Frenchman turns and delivers, but Garcia is on hand to make a really smart block.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 2-1 Eibar
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 2-1 at the Calderon. Goals from Miranda and Mandzukic had sent Atletico into a comfortable lead, but a stunner from Abraham after 33 minutes has handed Eibar hope. It has been a brilliant first 45 minutes of La Liga football.
STATS! Eibar have had more of the ball with 53% possession, while they have had five attempts, two of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with three of their seven attempts. There has not been a single yellow card issued despite a couple of late challenges.
BENCH WATCH! Atletico have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Jimenez, Rodriguez and Saul Niguez. Meanwhile, Eibar also have plenty of talent with the likes of Manu del Moral, Nieto and Saul all in reserve. Both managers have options that is for certain.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Eibar match their tempo from the first period? It is the newly-promoted side that get the second half underway.
Just a reminder that Atletico finally picked up their La Liga trophy before this match...
Más imágenes del ofrecimiento de la Liga de la temporada pasada en el Calderón #AtletiEibar #AupaAtleti pic.twitter.com/mbsm3DaqPs
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 30, 2014
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Atletico have started the second period on the front foot, with Garcia twice delivering into the Eibar box, but Navas clears. There is more tempo to the home side's play in the early moments of the second half it must be said.
Eibar threaten from another free kick, which is delivered by Lara, but Miranda is on hand to head clear. Atletico are down the other end with Griezmann moments later and gain a free kick when the Frenchman is brought to the ground by Garcia. Opportunity for Atletico to threaten here...
... Koke takes the free kick, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes, but Eibar are causing problems with their direct style in the final third. Lara threatens for the away side after finding some space outside the Atletico box, but Koke is across to clear at the vital moment. Still 2-1 Atletico in Madrid.
BOOKING! Suarez goes into the book for Atletico for fouling Arruabarrena.
Half-chance for Eibar as Lara finds space down the left before delivering into the box, but Miranda is on hand to make the clearance. Atletico do not look too comfortable at the moment. Simeone cannot be pleased with what he is seeing as the Argentine watches on from the stands at the Calderon.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes, with Atletico failing to threaten from a couple of free kicks. Atletico have hardly threatened in the second half, with Eibar doing most of the pressing. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and changes are imminent.
SUB! Atletico make their first chance of the match as Jimenez replaces Griezmann.
Griezmann is still working his way to full fitness following the World Cup and therefore that is not a surprising change at this stage of proceedings. Will Eibar return with a change of their own?
SUB! Eibar do indeed make a change as summer signing Nieto replaces Capa.
You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match. What a result it would be for Eibar if they could claim a point from the Calderon. Not too much is happening in terms of chances at the moment, with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.
BOOKING! Koke goes into the book for Atletico for fouling Lara.
The referee just needs to keep a lid on proceedings here as both sets of players become involved in an altercation when Suarez brings Garcia to the ground. Eibar again threaten as Angel fires a low cross towards Nieto, but Moya does enough to make the save. Atletico really need their supporters here.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Saul replaces Mandzukic.
Eibar are in control at the moment as they continue to threaten with a series of set pieces and bright movement in the final third. Atletico, however, look tired and clusmy in the final third. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the away side are really forcing the issue in Madrid.
2 - Eibar are the only La Liga team to score two goals from outside the box this season. Vigour.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 30, 2014
Atletico have just started to see more of the ball in the last few minutes, but they are still struggling to create clear chances. Garcia wins a free kick from Navas down the right, which Gabi delivers into the box, but Godin's header is wide of the post under pressure from two defenders.
SUB! Elche make their second change as Manu del Moral replaces Arruabarrena.
BOOKING! Gabi goes in the book for Atletico for fouling Lara.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Eibar to level as Boveda meets a deep free kick from Lara, but the defender's header just drops wide of the post. So close to an equaliser!
Eibar continue to threaten in the final third, with Lara's delivery causing all sorts of problems. Simeone does not look too comfortable in the stands at the moment with little over 10 minutes remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Eibar are in control of the ball in the final third. There is no question that Eibar deserve something from this match, which is quite incredible when taking into account Atletico's record in this stadium. Can they find a leveller?
Half-chance for Elche as Manu del Moral strikes one from the edge of the box, but Godin just does enough to make the clearance, with Moya on hand to prevent a corner. Still 2-1 Atletico.
SUB! Eibar make their final change as Saul replaces Garcia.
Half-chance for Atletico to score a third as Garcia meets a free kick from Gabi, but his header was just high of the crossbar. The Eibar goalkeeper came but not nowhere near the set piece.
At this point, Lara has been the best player on the pitch. The Eibar attacker secured his side all three points against Real Sociedad last weekend and has threatened to upset Atletico here on a number of occasions. His free-kick delivery has been superb. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! WOW! Stunning chance for Eibar to level as Angel drives into the Atletico box before poking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort just drops wide of the post. He had to score!
Eibar deserve a point here I don't think there is any question about that. Maybe more?!
Garcia threatens for Atletico after driving to the edge of the Eibar box, but his final effort is high and wide of the crossbar. We are close to entering last chance saloon for Eibar here.
Jimenez is next to test the Eibar goalkeeper, but his effort lacks power and the stopper makes the save.
We are into the second of three added minutes and Eibar will not go away. Atletico have a free kick in their own box, however, when Manu del Moral brings Godin to the ground.
Garcia again has a half-chance for Atletico following a cross from Siqueira, but the Spaniard plants his effort high of the crossbar. That should be just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 2-1 Eibar
So there we have it. Atletico hold off a spirited Eibar to record all three points with a 2-1 success at the Calderon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
