Atletico Madrid moved to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona courtesy of a 4-0 win over Leganes at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Antoine Griezmann followed up on his hat-trick against Sevilla at the weekend by netting four times for Diego Simeone's side, who were far too strong on the night.
The victory was Atletico's eighth in a row in all competitions, and Barcelona will now be under pressure to win at Las Palmas on Thursday night ahead of the meeting between the two teams at Camp Nou this weekend.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Wanda Metropolitano as Atletico Madrid welcome Leganes. Second-placed Atletico would move to within four points of league leaders Barcelona with a victory tonight, and Diego Simeone's side will enter the match having won their last seven matches in all competitions. Stay tuned for live coverage of the action!
Leganes actually held Atletico to a goalless draw when the two teams met in the reverse match earlier this season. Atletico, however, recorded a 2-0 win when the pair clashed at the Vicente Calderon last term. Leganes have not beaten Atletico away from home since a 2-0 victory during the 2001-02 Segunda Division campaign. It is a very, very tough ask for the visitors here.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Both sides were in action at the weekend – Atletico recording a 5-2 victory at Sevilla while Leganes drew 0-0 at home to Las Palmas. Any changes? Let's run through the two XIs...
TEAMS!
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Correa, Thomas, Saul, Koke; Griezmann, Costa
LEGANES: Cuellar; Rico, Bustinza, Munoz, Mantovani, Garcia; Ramos, Eraso, Gumbau, Gabriel; Guerrero
Atletico boss Simeone has made two changes to the team that started against Sevilla at the weekend, with Juanfran and Angel Correa coming in for Sime Vrsaljko and Gabi, who both drop to the bench. Thomas Partey keeps his spot in central midfield alongside Saul Niguez, while neither Antoine Griezmann nor Diego Costa are rested ahead of Sunday's clash with Barcelona.
© Offside
As for Leganes, head coach Asier Garitano has shuffled his pack following the goalless draw with Las Palmas last time out. Gerard Gumbau, Raul Garcia and Martin Mantovani all come into the XI, while Miguel Guerrero is chosen to lead the line as Nordin Amrabat drops to the bench.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in the Spanish capital. I shall speak about Leganes a little bit later, but let's first start with Atletico, who are very much on Barcelona's tails in the league. As mentioned, Diego Simeone's side have been in wonderful form in recent weeks – winning their last seven matches in all competitions.
🚌 🏟 We're home!
💪 It's almost time for #AtletiLeganés! 🔴⚪🔴#AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/VxN3RBfpcg — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 28, 2018
Atletico are unbeaten since suffering a 3-1 defeat at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on January 23. Since then, they have beaten Las Palmas, Valencia, Malaga, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla in the league - in addition to overcoming Copenhagen over two legs in the Europa League. Simeone's side have serious momentum, and they will be confident of putting another three points on the board tonight.
A total of 58 points from 25 matches has left Atletico second in La Liga – seven points off the leaders Barcelona. The capital outfit have only suffered one defeat this term – winning 17 of their 25 fixtures. They have actually only scored 41 times, but have the best defensive record with just 11 conceded.
Atletico put five past Sevilla in their La Liga clash at the weekend, and that result ensured that they would stay within touching distance of Barcelona. It does appear that the Catalan giants will land the title, but if Atletico win tonight and beat Barcelona at Camp Nou this weekend then the Spanish championship will be thrown wide open at this stage of the campaign. It would be great for the neutral!
STATS 📊@KevinGameiro9 and @diegocosta's goals gave us the win in our last league match in the Wanda @Metropolitano.#AúpaAtleti #AtletiLeganés pic.twitter.com/WLBSBF3ucs — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 28, 2018
Atletico's supporters will already be thinking about the Barcelona clash this weekend, but it is vital that the team are focused on tonight's clash. Atletico are yet to lose a La Liga match in their wonderful new stadium, and have kept clean sheets in their last three league fixtures at the Wanda Metropolitano.
As for Leganes, Asier Garitano's side will enter tonight's match in 14th position in the table. The Madrid minnows have won eight, drawn six and lost 11 of their 25 league games this season, and are currently 11 points clear of the bottom three. There is no reason to suggest that they will get dragged into a relegation battle due to their impressive form up to this point.
Los Legionarios, however, have been in disappointing form. They could only draw at home to struggling Las Palmas at the weekend, and that result followed four straight defeats in all competitions. Garitano's team have not actually won in the league since beating Espanyol 3-2 at the end of last month. It is a tough ask for the out-of-form team to come and get a result here.
Salta el Lega a calentar en el Wanda Metropolitano!! #AtletiLeganés #VamosLega pic.twitter.com/hxRkEcVAEC — C.D. Leganés (@CDLeganes) February 28, 2018
Leganes lost 3-1 at home to Real Madrid last week, and their upcoming fixture list is not exactly pretty as they face Atletico before taking on Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and Valencia in three of their next four fixtures. In many ways, the Madrid club are fortunate that they already have 30 points on the board.
Here we go then; both sets of players are in the tunnel ahead of kickoff in the Spanish capital. A win for Atletico would move them to within four points of league leaders Barcelona, but a defeat would surely end their chances of catching the Catalan giants. Kickoff at the Wanda is next!
Well, kickoff is still next, but it is going to be a couple of minutes late. Not sure why there is a hold-up, but this match will get underway a couple of minutes past 8.30pm UK time. Stay tuned!
KICKOFF! Atletico get things underway in the Spanish capital...
... SAVE! Cuellar has to get down to keep out a strike from Costa as Atletico look to take the lead inside the first 20 seconds of this match. Positive start from the home side here.
Far from a full house inside the stadium tonight, but there is a good atmosphere. It has been all Atletico in the early moments, with Koke just missing the post from distance. The hosts seem intent on testing Cuellar's concentration levels in the early moments. Let's hope this tempo remains.
Leganes are struggling to get out of their own half at the moment as Atletico continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Correa has just struck from distance, but Munoz made the block.
Leganes do not seem too interested in attacking here as they continue to camp outside the own box. Atletico are passing and probing as they look to find that defence-splitting pass here.
CHANCE! Big chance for the away side as Guerrero rises inside the Atletico box to meet a deep cross from Bustinza, but the striker heads over the crossbar. Rare opportunity for Leganes!
Luis looks to pick out Costa with a dangerous cross into the Leganes box, but Garcia manages to head clear. Still all Atletico in terms of possession and attacking intent at the Wanda.
CHANCE! Another huge chance for the away side as Eraso meets a wonderful pass from Gabriel, but the number 17 volleys wide of the post. Incredible opportunity there!
Atletico have had pretty much all of the ball, but Leganes have had the best two chances here.
Atletico have a free kick in a very dangerous area as Munoz brings Correa to the deck...
... POST! Griezmann hits the post with a super free kick!
Some of Atletico's home matches this season have been really poor, but this has been a very positive opening 18 minutes of football. Leganes have contributed to that as they continue to have moments on the counter-attack. Atletico, however, are very much in control of the football.
Just a reminder that Atletico will travel to Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, and it is vital that the capital side enter that match off the back of a win tonight. Barcelona visit Las Palmas tomorrow night, and it would be one of the shocks of the last 10 years if the leaders did not win there.
CROSSBAR! Gumbau rattles the crossbar for Leganes! Incredible strike!
Luis actually blocked a Guerrero strike on the line after Gumbau's effort had hit the crossbar. It is a big surprise that this game is still goalless when considering the chances that have arrived.
Correa brings a decent save from Cuellar after striking from outside the Leganes box.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Leganes (Griezmann)
Atletico make the breakthrough in the 26th minute as Griezmann races onto a through pass from Koke before sliding the ball under Cuellar. Simple goal for the home side to take the lead.
Leganes were very deep in the early stages of this match, but the away side are pressing numbers forward now, and are very unfortunate not to have found the back of the net in this match.
Leganes continue to keep the ball well, but the visitors have not really come close to scoring since Gumbau rattled the crossbar. Atletico, on the other hand, are dangerous each time they go forward.
Costa looks to run away from Munoz as Atletico break the lines once again, but the Leganes centre-back does well to stick with the Spain international. Still 1-0 Atletico with 34 minutes played.
Atletico have a free kick just outside the box as Koke is felled by Gumbau...
... GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Leganes (Griezmann)
Griezmann is on fire at the moment! The Frenchman has his second of the match as his wonderful free kick ends up in the top corner. Cuellar simply could not reach to keep out the swerving ball.
This could get messy for Leganes if they do not recover from that second goal.
SAVE! Super save from Cuellar to keep out an attempt from Griezmann, who had been released by Costa. It did appear that the France international would be finding his hat-trick.
Gimenez heads just wide of the Leganes post as the home side chase more goals here.
Thomas is a touch fortunate to escape a yellow card for a late challenge on Eraso. We have not had a single booking thus far, but to be honest, it has not really been that type of match.
I should not think that there will be too much added time at the end of the first period here.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 2-0 Leganes
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 2-0 courtesy of a double from Griezmann. The Frenchman sent the home side ahead with a cool finish in the 26th minute, before finding the top corner with a wonderful free kick in the 35th minute.
STATISTICS! Atletico dominated the first-half possession with 68%, while they managed nine attempts - four of which were on target. Leganes, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their four attempts. That said, Gumbau hit the crossbar with a rasping effort for the visitors. No bookings to report!
BENCH WATCH! Leganes boss Garitano does not have too much in the way of attacking options on his bench tonight, but Amrabat is in reserve, while Mozo is also available. As for Atletico, head coach Simeone has the likes of Gameiro, Gabi, Torres and Vitolo on what is a very talented bench.
RESTART! Leganes resume the action here...
... LEGANES SUB! Amrabat has replaced Rico at the break. Positive change.
LEGANES SUB! Zaldua also replaced Gabriel at the interval.
You do get the feeling that Simeone's attentions will switch to Barcelona as this match develops, especially if Atletico score a third, which would certainly make sure of all the points here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Leganes have had a lot of the ball in Atletico's half of the field. A Leganes goal would be very interesting here!
Half-chance for the home side as Costa takes the ball down on his chest before spinning and having a strike, but Garcia does well to make the block. Costa really wants a goal tonight.
Griezmann just stumbles at the vital moment inside the Leganes box, and the Frenchman's effort is straight into the arms of Cuellar. Down the other end, Amrabat brings a decent strike from Oblak.
BOOKING! Gumbau (Leganes) is booked for a poor challenge on Luis.
GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Leganes (Griezmann, hat-trick)
Griezmann completes his hat-trick as the forward heads a wonderful Luis cross into the top corner!
LEGANES SUB! Naranjo replaces Eraso for the away side.
ATLETICO SUB! Vitolo replaces Thomas for the home side.
There is no question that Barcelona will be concerned about Atletico's form ahead of their clash at Camp Nou this weekend. Just a reminder that Barcelona will travel to Las Palmas tomorrow night.
Bit of possession football for Atletico as we head for the final 25 minutes of this match.
Amrabat has looked dangerous for the visitors since entering at the break, but the Turk has just been unable to race away from Saul, who worked back before making a super challenge.
Half-chance for Leganes as Bustinza meets a free kick from Ramos, but the striker's header misses the crossbar. The visitors have done enough to get their name on the scoresheet here.
GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Leganes (Griezmann)
Oh my word! Griezmann has his fourth of the match as the Frenchman manages to turn a Costa cross into the back of the net. Not the best contact, but it still beat Cuellar!
BOOKING! Griezmann (Atletico) is booked for a foul on Zaldua.
Amrabat's pace takes him clear of the Atletico defence, but the attacker is crowded out at the vital moment, and the home side have numbers back once again. Still 20 minutes of football to play here.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Cuellar to keep out a strike from Costa, who had broken into the Leganes box. Oh what a chance for Costa to get his name on the scoresheet.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Godin has a header ruled out for offside.
ATLETICO SUB! Torres and Gameiro replace Costa and Griezmann.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, and Atletico are still looking for more goals here.
Correa looks to dink the ball into Torres, but Garcia does well to make the clearance. Both Torres and Gameiro will be desperate to get their names on the scoresheet in the latter stages here.
Atletico have a free kick some 25 yards out as Torres is felled by Naranjo...
... CLOSE! Saul's effort is just wide of the post.
Amrabat continues to battle away in the final third of the field, but the Turk is not having much luck against Gimenez, who is not one to shirk a challenge. Leganes do deserve a goal tonight.
BOOKING! Ramos (Leganes) is booked for a foul on Vitolo.
Leganes continue to enjoy the ball inside Atletico's half of the field.
Atletico have regained control of the ball in the last minute or so, and they are currently probing inside Leganes' half as the hosts look to score a fifth in the latter stages of the contest.
BOOKING! Bustinza (Leganes) is booked for a late tackle on Luis.
Atletico's fifth corner of the night is earned by Gameiro, but the set piece is played short, and the likes of Godin do not have the chance to attack the cross. Bit of a waste to be honest!
Guerrero races into the Atletico box following a quick counter, but the striker's effort is blocked, and Juanfran is across to make the clearance. He should have picked out Amrabat there!
Luis blocks a strike from Ramos after Amrabat had caused problems out wide once again.
SAVE! Great save from Oblak to keep out Bustinza's effort!
FULL-TIME: Atletico 4-0 Leganes
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Atletico running out 4-0 winners over Leganes to move to within four points of league leaders Barcelona. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you again soon!
