Atletico Madrid welcomed Valencia to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday knowing that three points would have moved them back into second position in La Liga.
It was the away side that took the lead after five minutes when Jonas converted from close range, but Radamel Falcao levelled the scores less than a minute later.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but neither could add to the scoring as the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the weekend comes from the Spanish capital as Atletico welcome Valencia to Madrid. The home side currently sit in third position in the table, two points behind Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 against Real Zaragoza this weekend. Valencia, meanwhile, have moved firmly into the Champions League picture.
Atletico will be able to call upon the second-best home record in the division this evening having won 13 of their 14 matches, but Valencia’s away form has been fairly solid this season with four wins on the road, just two less than Atletico. It is the type of match that neither can afford to lose at this stage of the season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Valencia were 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but the pair shared the points at the Vicente Calderon last season. Atletico were victorious over Valencia, however, on their way to the Europa League title last season.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Manquillo, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Turan, Falcao, Costa
VALENCIA: Alves; Mathieu, R Costa, Pereira, Guardado; Banega, A Costa, Parejo; Valdez, Piatti, Jonas
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a quick note on the main team news. Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa continue in attack for Atletico, while Javi Manquillo replaces Juanfran. Valencia, meanwhile, are without Roberto Soldado, therefore Nelson Valdez starts. The home side get the action underway.
It is a truly horrendous night in the Spanish capital as the rain continues to thump down. Let's hope that the weather does not match the performance of the two teams! Every seat was sold for this match, but it does appear that some have decided to stay in the warm. It is a crucial match for both sides ahead of the final stages of the season.
Should Atletico pick up the three points this evening, they would move above Real Madrid into second position in the table. Meawhile, Valencia could move into fifth with the victory. Half-chance for the away side as Piatti dances into the Atletico box before threading a cross towards Valdez, but the striker just cannot make contact.
First sign of the youngster Manquillo - who has replaced the suspended Juanfran this evening - as the defender causes problems with a long throw, but Falcao just cannot make contact under pressure from Ricardo Costa, with Diego Alves out to clear. Neither side has really settled into the opening five minutes of the match.
GOAL! Atletico 0-1 Valencia (Jonas)
Valencia take the lead in Madrid as Jonas pounces on a loose ball in the penalty area to thump home from close range. It is just so unlike Atletico in this stadium, but Valencia do indeed make the breakthrough.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Valencia (Falcao)
Well that did not take long! Wonderful work from Turan as the midfielder crafts down the right before firing a low cross towards Falcao, who simply cannot miss from close range. That is his 22nd league goal of the season. Two goals in the opening six minutes.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Banega meets a free kick from Jonas in the penalty area, but Luis is across to make the block. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Costa, but Courtois rises to collect the danger. Ricardo Costa has an effort moments later, but it moves high of the crossbar.
Tino Costa tries his luck from distance moments later, but it is deflected behind for a goal kick. Diego Simeone is not a happy man at the moment as he waves his arms on the touchline. I suspect that he did not predict this type of start from Valencia. The rain is not kind on the pitch, but it is making for an all-action game of football.
Not too much from Diego Costa in the opening 13 minutes of the match. Just to stop the confusion, there are three Costas on the pitch this evening. One for the home side, two for Valencia. No relation! Decent possession for the home side once more as Falcao combines with Turan, but his cross towards Koke is claimed by Alves.
Valencia once more threaten from a free kick outside the penalty area as Jonas delivers towards the six-yard box, but Suarez rises to clear the danger. Valencia certainly have a physical presence in their side this evening, which they will attempt to exploit. Two well-matched teams on display with 15 minutes on the clock.
Again it's good work from Pereira as the Valencia right-back drives down the right before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but Manquillo is on hand to make the clearance. Piatti is involved down the same wing moments later, but again it comes to nothing. It has been a really positive start from the away side in Madrid.
Jonas is again the provider as he gathers possession from Suarez before searching out the run of Valdez behind the Atletico defence, but Courtois is alert to the danger. The home side just cannot keep hold of the ball as the first period begins to gather pace. If it were a boxing match, then Valencia would certainly be winning on points at this stage.
Positive work from Costa almost presents a chance to Falcao as the Brazilian collects possession before finding the top scorer, but Mathieu comes across to clear at the vital moment, before playing his way out of defence. Costa chases Alves down moments later, but the Brazilian clears his lines.
Half-chance for Valencia as Miranda is adjudged to have felled Jonas outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Parejo, but Courtois just manages to palm over his own crossbar. Anthony Costa moves across to take the corner, but for some reason the referee points for a goal kick. Strange decision from the official.
Valencia continue to force the issue with Pereira prepared to attack down the right, but Turan is back to make the challenge. The Turkish midfielder receives a kick for his troubles, which requires a period of treatment. No sign of the rain easing here as it thumps down in the Spanish capital. Still 1-1 with 25 minutes on the clock.
Good spell of pressure from the away side as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Courtois before Mathieu heads the second over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Turan has indicated to the bench that he cannot continue following that clash with Pereira. Raul Garcia is his replacement.
It just isn't quite happening for the home side at the moment as each attack continues to break down, while it seems as if every decision is going against them. You have to praise Valencia for the way that they have started, but you get the feeling that they need to score again during this spell. Atletico will certainly improve there is no question about that.
Valencia force their fifth corner of the match following good work from Piatti, once more Tino Costa fires a cross towards Valdez, but Miranda rises highest to clear the danger. The Brazilian attempts to find Falcao down the other end, but the striker cannot collect under pressure from Guardado.
Simeone continues to make his presence known on the touchline, while Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde is prepared to watch from the dug-out. There is no question that the away side have been in control for large periods of the match, but that goal from Falcao has levelled the terms. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Guardado bursts onto a loose ball in the penalty area before striking towards goal, but it hits his own teammate Valdez before Miranda thumps clear. Another corner follows, but Courtois comes a long way to clear. Atletico are playing a really dangerous game here as Courtois twice denies Piatti moments later.
More frustration for the home supporters as Falcao is adjudged to have felled Mathieu in a tussle with the French defender. Everything about Valencia has just been quicker than their hosts in the opening 39 minutes of football. They have had nine shots to Atletico's one thus far.
Little under five minutes of the first period remaining, with the scores still level at 1-1. I have not seen Atletico come under this much pressure in any match this season. The referee has done well to keep his cards in his pocket following a host of poor challenges in the last few minutes.
Another half-chance for the away side as Valdez finds Piatti on the edge of the box, the Spaniard attempts to curl his effort into the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the post. The crowd have gone ever so quiet in the last 10 minutes or so, with the nervousness transmitting to the players.
The first yellow card finally arrives in the latter stages of the half as Parejo dives into an ugly challenge with Gabi. Atletico force a free kick outside the penalty area moments later following a handball from Valdez, but Gabi's effort is pushed clear by Alves. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Valencia took the lead after five minutes courtesy of Jonas, but Falcao levelled less than a minute later. In truth, Valencia have utterly dominated proceedings.
STATISTICS: Valencia have dominated the possession with 68%, while they have had six attempts to Atletico's two. I have not seen Atletico this dominated on this pitch for some time. I suspect that Diego Simeone will have some stern words to say at the interval.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Adrian Lopez, Cristian Rodriguez and Tiago, but they have already been forced into one change. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Jonathan Viera, Juan Benat and Sergio Canales in reserve.
As it stands, Atletico would remain in third position in the table, one point behind Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Valencia would remain in sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad. It really is all to play for in the second period. The match will resume in the next minute or two.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not that surprising at this stage of events. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be crucial in terms of the final result. Right, Atletico get the half underway.
Decent start to the second period from the home side as Luis's throw causes problems in the Valencia penalty area, but Alves is allowed to collect. Diego Costa battles with Ricardo Costa moments later, but the referee awards the free kick to the away side, much to the frustration of the home support.
It truly is a miserable evening in the Spanish capital as the rain continues to thump down, but that has only aided the excitement in the match. Valencia have not been particularly strong on their travels this season, but they are really taking the match to Atletico this evening. No real chances in the opening five minutes of the second period.
It is the away support that can be heard in the early stages of the second period, with Atletico struggling to exert their influence on the match. It has just become slightly bitty in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half, with Piatti the latest to have his name taken.
Slight problem for Miranda as the Brazilian defender leaves the pitch on a stretcher, although it is not yet clear whether he will be fit to continue. That would be a blow for Simeone having already lost Turan to injury in the first period. It would also take another attacking change away from the home side.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Luis advances into the Valencia penalty area before striking an effort from close range, but it deflects behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped into the box by Gabi, but Alves comes to clear. It does appear that Miranda will be fit to continue following a period of treatment.
Slightly better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Falcao seeing more of the ball, but once more the Colombian is well-marshalled by Ricardo Costa. Another corner from Gabi does cause problems in the box, but Mathieu clears. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
All one-way traffic at the moment as Atletico continue to force the issue, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Half-chance for the home side as Costa meets a through pass from Falcao, but Alves comes out to clear. Wonderful goalkeeping from the Brazilian.
Diego Costa wants a penalty as he clashes with Ricardo Costa inside the box, but the referee waves play on. The resulting corner is whipped right underneath the Valencia crossbar, but the referee blows for a free kick. Still no movement on the away side's bench with little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another penalty shout for the home side as Jonas appears to handle in the area, but once more the referee is not interested, much to the frustration of the home supporters. It really is one-way traffic at the moment as Atletico force corner after corner. Can they move into the lead?
Valencia make their first change of the evening as Valdez is replaced by Cissokho. Tactical change for the away side with Guardado seemingly moving to left midfield and Jonas into a more central area. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining, with the scores level at 1-1. Will we have late drama in Madrid?
Valencia make their second change in quick succession as Sergio Canales replaces Banega, who has just struggled to influence the second period. Atletico continue to force the issue with a series of high balls towards Falcao, but the Colombian cannot win the battle with Ricardo Costa. Two well-matched sides on display this evening.
We are at the stage of the match where it would probably be safe to assume that the next goal wins it. On the face of it, a point would not be the worst result in the world for either of these sides, but Atletico would have missed the chance to regain second. You just get the feeling that there will be a late sting in the tail.
Another crunching challenge from Ricardo Costa on Diego Costa as Atletico force a corner. The set piece is whipped into the area by Gabi, but once more Alves comes to collect. A lot of grappling n the penalty area, but the referee does not award a free kick. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Vicente Calderon.
It's really good work from Diego Costa as the Brazilian evades two challenges in a wide position before firing a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. Meanwhile, Pereira appears to have a slight problem following a challenge with Koke. There is a real edge to this match at the moment as we head for the final 10 minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last 10 minutes or so with both sides guilty of a host of poor challenges. I wonder whether we will end the match with all 22 players on the pitch? There really has been some poor challenges in the last few minutes. Jonas is the latest to hit the deck under a challenge with Godin.
Half-chance for the away side as Jonas collects possession outside the penalty area before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico create an opportunity of their own down the other end, but Luis can only flash an effort wide of the post.
Koke becomes the fourth player to receive a booking this evening following a late challenge on Piatti. In truth, it is quite amazing that the card count has been so low, based on the conditions and intensity of the match. It would have been easy to send off a couple of players from each team. Right, little over five minutes of normal time remaining in the Spanish capital.
The ill-feeling in the match continues as there is a little bit of afters between Luis and Pereira, but the referee once more takes control of the situation. Diego Costa clashes with the Portuguese defender moments later, but once more the referee is not interested. No real attacking intent from Valencia for some time.
The service just has not been there for Falcao this evening as the Colombian is once more forced to chase down a lost cause. Meanwhile, Valencia make their third and final change of the match as Jonathan Viera replaces Piatti, who has just faded after a bright first period. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Half-chance for the away side as Viera plays a wonderful cross into the penalty area, but Miranda is on hand to produce a fine header. Parejo has an effort from distance moments later, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
Its really smart work from Canales as the Valencia midfielder evades the challenge of Miranda before driving into the penalty area, but he just loses control at the vital moment, with the ball moving out for a goal kick. Little over one minute of normal time remaining, with the two sides still level at 1-1.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee blows the final whistle with the two sides level at 1-1. Atletico miss the chance to move into second, while Valencia remain in sixth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Good evening!
