Saturday's final La Liga clash pitted struggling Almeria against league leaders Atletico Madrid in Andalusia.
Atletico had the better of the opportunities in the first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Almeria moved 1-0 ahead 10 minutes from time when Verza found the top corner from outside the box.
Verza had his second from the penalty spot late on after Dani Aranzubia had felled Jonathan Zongo inside the box, with the Atletico goalkeeper handed his marching orders.
The defeat means that Atletico have relinquished first position to Real Madrid, who beat Villarreal earlier this evening.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Andalusia as Almeria welcome Atletico Madrid. The home side currently sit in 17th position in the table on 22 points – just two points outside of the bottom three. However, victory this evening would move them into 13th, which is an indication of the closeness in the bottom half of the division.
Atletico, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final meeting. That said, they have lost just once in La Liga this season and currently top the standings on 57 points. Victory this evening would move them three points clear of second-place Real Madrid and six clear of third-place Barcelona.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five matches, with the further three fixtures ending in draws. As mentioned, the points were shared in a 2-2 draw the last time the pair met in this stadium in March 2011, but Atletico won 4-2 at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA: Esteban; Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azeez; Suso, Vidal, Soriano; Jonathan
ATLETICO: Aranzubia; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Manquillo; Tiago, Gabi; Turan, Diego, Garcia; Costa
So there we have it. Still no Rodri for Almeria, meaning that Jonathan Zongo leads their line. There are also starts for Suso, Soriano and Aleix Vidal. Atletico, meanwhile, are without the suspended Koke and injured trio Filipe Luis, Thibaut Courtois and David Villa. That means starts for Aranzubia, Javi Manquillo and Diego, while Tiago also comes into the side. Right, the away team get the first 45 minutes underway in Andalusia.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Atletico remain top of the table, but only on goal difference. Almeria, however, have problems of their own. As it stands, they sit in 17th spot in the table. It is a breezy night in southern Spain, but the conditions are perfect for a game of football.
It has been a lively start from Almeria with Vidal immediately testing the pace of Godin, but the Spaniard is penalised for a push on the centre-back. Not too much in terms of possession for either side thus far with both guilty of some loose passing in midfield.
The first half-chance of the match comes to Atletico as Garcia delivers a cross towards Costa, but Esteban manages to claim at the vital moment. Diego threatens to pick up the rebound, but the Almeria stopper pounces on the ball. End-to-end football as the home side break down the other end, but Suso's effort from distance is blocked.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead as Diego finds Manquillo inside the Almeria box. The right-back lifts the ball over Esteban, but Rafita is on hand to clear under pressure from Costa. The atmosphere is starting to rise.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Atletico have started to take control of the possession. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. Nervy moment in defence for Godin moments later, but the Atletico centre-back clears under pressure from Zongo.
Half-chance for Almeria as Suso releases Dubarbier, who drives a low cross into the Atletico box, but Miranda is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Atletico break down the other end with Turan, but his cross is straight into the arms of the home side's goalkeeper.
Half-chance for the away side as Diego finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post at the vital moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Suso drives into the Atletico box, but Godin manages to clear the danger.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Neither side has really been allowed to hit top gear thus far with opportunities few and far between. Almeria will feel that they have a chance this evening due to the number of absences in the Atletico XI.
Possession football from Atletico in the last few moments as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to really worry Almeria. Juanfran embarks on a dangerous run into the home side's box moments later, but Trujillo is across to clear at the vital moment.
Penalty shout for Atletico as Costa goes down inside the box under a challenge from Rafita, but the referee is not interested. Safe to say that the Brazilian-born striker is not too pleased with the official, who has been heavily involved due to a number of late challenges.
Half-chance for Atletico as Diego finds some space on the edge of the box before finding Tiago, but his effort is straight into Verza. Almeria break down the other end with Vidal, who leaves Godin for pace, but he loses control at the vital moment. Still goalless with 24 minutes on the clock in Andalusia.
Another half-chance for the away side as Diego strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty of shooting opportunities for the Brazilian, but Esteban has not been too troubled thus far. This is the type of match where Atletico cannot afford a slip-up.
Another penalty shout for the away side as Suso brings Manquillo to the ground inside the box, but the referee is not interested. For me, that is a clear penalty. Not too much in terms of attacking pressure from Almeria, but they continue to hold the league leaders. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
The stop-start period of the match continues as Suso hits the deck just outside the Atletico box. Such tactics will suit Almeria, but the away side's frustration continues to grow. The home side have a penalty shout moments later as Juanfran appears to handle inside the box, but once more the referee turns a blind eye.
Good pressure from Almeria in the last couple of moments with Soriano and Zongo seeing more of the ball in the final third, but Aranzubia has not had a save to make thus far. Costa appears to have a problem for Atletico moments later as the forward holds his thigh following a heavy challenge in the middle of the park.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone has seemingly been sent to the stands following a discussion with the referee. To be fair, Atletico have been on the end of a couple of strange decisions this evening. It is a sign of their frustration in the first period. Little over 10 minutes of the first half remaining in this La Liga contest.
Simeone appears on the sidelines... the referee appeared to send the Argentine to the stands, but that was obviously not the case. His side have another half-chance as Diego strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. More frustration for the away side.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Almeria enjoying more of the ball in the Atletico half. Zongo uses his power to move into the Atletico box, but he is penalised for a push on Tiago. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining. It remains goalless in Andalusia.
Half-chance for Suso this time as the on-loan Liverpool winger finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the Atletico crossbar. Manquillo is down the other end moments later, but his low cross is into the arms of Esteban at the vital moment.
As it stands, Atletico would end the weekend top of the table. However, it would be a real opportunity missed. These are the type of games that win league titles. Almeria have not offered too much in the final third, but have been tight and compact in defensive areas.
HALF TIME: Almeria 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the score level at 0-0. Atletico have had the better moments, but neither side has had a single effort on target thus far. There is no question that Diego Simeone will demand more from his table-toppers in the second period.
STATISTICS: Atletico have had more of the ball with 61%. Meanwhile, they have had four attempts to Almeria's two. However, as mentioned, neither side has had a shot on target thus far. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, with the referee issuing one card to each team. Surprisingly, there has also not been a single corner.
BENCH WATCH: Almeria have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Oscar Diaz, Helder Barbosa and Corona. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Adrian, Mario Suarez, Rodriguez and Josa on their bench. It would not be a surprise to see changes at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Atletico would move one point clear at the top, while Almeria would move into 16th position. Let's hope for more entertainment in the second period as Almeria get the half underway in Andalusia.
No changes for either side at the interval, but I suspect both managers will consider altering proceedings if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. Fairly low-key start to the second 45 minutes in Andalusia.
Half-chance for Atletico to threaten from a free kick as Soriano fells Diego outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi and met by Costa, but his header is straight into the arms of Esteban. However, the flag had been raised and therefore it would not have counted.
Half-chance on the counter for the home side as Soriano finds some space outside the box before sliding a pass towards Zongo, but Godin is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Diego is down the other end moments later, but his low effort just moves wide of the post. End-to-end football.
A poor challenge from Godin on Vidal presents Almeria with the chance to deliver a free kick into the Atletico box. The resulting set piece is taken by Suso, but it goes over the head of everyone and out for a goal kick. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Little over 35 minutes remaining.
Godin is called into action as Dubarbier delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box, but the centre-back manages to clear under pressure from Zongo. Atletico break down the other end moments later, but once more the attack comes to an end. You just get the feeling that one goal would be enough to take all the points. However, neither side looks like finding it at the moment.
Diego Simeone does not look too happy at the moment as he continues to watch his side struggle to open up this Almeria team. The home side make their first change of the match moments later as Portuguese attacker Helder Barbosa replaces Soriano, who is perhaps lucky not to have been sent off following a number of late challenges. Little over 30 minutes remaining.
Half-chance for Atletico as Garcia meets a free kick from Gabi, but his header is high of the crossbar. Free header for the Spaniard, but once more Esteban is not tested. It would not be a surprise to see Atletico boss Simeone look to his bench in the next few moments.
Well, 64 minutes on the clock and in truth, not a lot is happening. It has been a really poor performance from Atletico, while Almeria have not offered too much in the final third. Surely chances will arrive in the latter stages as legs begin to tire. It is Atletico in possession with 64 minutes on the clock in Andalusia.
Appears to be a problem for Tiago as the Atletico midfielder hits the deck following a challenge with Barbosa. Replays have shown that it was a really poor challenge from the Almeria forward. It should have been a red card. It seems unlikely that the Portuguese will be able to continue.
Tiago is indeed forced from the field, with Mario Suarez entering the field in place of the midfielder. Sosa follows moments later in place of Diego, who has looked the most likely for the away side this evening. Little over 20 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
Juanfran takes matters into his own hands for the away side as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Zongo is down the other end for Almeria moments later, but the forward cannot move beyond the challenge of Miranda.
More frustration for Atletico as another attack breaks down in the final third. Not too much from Almeria in the last few moments, however, with Zongo struggling for service. As it stands, Atletico would move one point clear at the top of the league table. However, it would be a big opportunity missed.
The fact that there has been just one attempt on target in this match tells the whole story. In truth, neither has done enough to deserve to take all the points. Atletico boss Simeone still has one change remaining and Adrian would be the likely replacement. Little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining in Andalusia.
Half-chance for Atletico as Costa is felled on the edge of the box. However, Sosa's free kick is straight into the arms of Esteban. At least it was an attempt on target. Atletico have started to raise the tempo in the last few moments with Almeria dropping deeper and deeper into their own half.
POST! Oh my word! Almeria come within a whisker of taking the lead as Vidal drives past two defenders before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it bounces off both posts before rolling out. What an incredible piece of luck for Atletico.
Atletico make their third and final change as Adrian replaces Garcia, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. The home side continue to carry a threat as they force a throw down the right, but Juanfran clears at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining this evening.
GOAL! Almeria 1-0 Atletico (Verza)
Oh my word. Almeria take the lead after 80 minutes as Verza floats one into the top corner from outside the box. It looked like a cross, but Aranzubia could not prevent it from nestling in the top corner.
Are Atletico about to suffer back-to-back defeats? As it stands, Real Madrid would move top of the La Liga table. However, there are still more than five minutes remaining. Time for someone to make themselves a hero for Atletico.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Almeria to score their second as Vidal breaks into the Atletico box, but Aranzubia is on hand to make a smart save at the final moment. What has happened to this Atletico defence?!
PENALTY TO ALMERIA!
RED CARD! Aranzubia (Atletico)
Almeria are awarded a penalty and Atletco are down to 10 men as their goalkeeper Aranzubia pulls Zongo to the ground inside the box. Atletico skipper Gabi is going in goal for the away side.
GOAL! Almeria 2-0 Atletico (Verza, pen)
Verza steps up and sends his effort into the top corner. Surely that is game over. Atletico can only stand and watch. They will drop to second in the table this evening. What a night it is shaping up to be for Real Madrid.
Well, not too much happened for a long time this evening, but this match has exploded into life in the latter stages. Who would have predicted it?! Almeria are closing in on a famous win on their own patch, where Atletico have never won.
The home side make their second change of the match as Suso leaves the field for Corona, who will just sure up that midfield. The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional five minutes this evening. Surely Atletico cannot score twice?
Half-chance for the away side as Costa finds some space inside the box before striking towards goal, but Rafita is on hand to make a fine block. It falls to Manquillo, but his effort is collected by Esteban. Almeria are almost there.
Almeria make their third and final change of the match as Diaz enters the field in place of Zongo, who has put in a real shift this evening. His performance is recognised by the supporters, who give him a standing ovation.
FULL TIME: Almeria 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Wow. Incredible scenes in Andalusia as Almeria become just the second team to beat Atletico in La Liga this season. The defeat for Atletico means that Real Madrid have moved top of the table. The home side, meanwhile, have moved into 13th spot. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
