Atletico Madrid travelled to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday knowing that three points would see them return to the top of La Liga.
Iker Muniain handed Bilbao the lead inside six minutes, but a Diego Costa strike levelled the scores on 22 minutes.
Atletico moved ahead in the early stages of the second period through Koke and the Spaniard's effort was enough for Atletico to move above Barcelona into first spot.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage continues from San Mames and it is a real cracker as Athletic Bilbao welcome Atletico Madrid. The home side have their sights firmly set on a Champions League position with just eight games remaining, while Atletico enter the match knowing that three points would see them return to the top of the table ahead of current champions Barcelona. Right, the team news has already arrived.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico; Susaeta, De Marcos, Muniain; Aduriz
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Suarez; Sosa, Koke, Garcia; Costa
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Bilbao XI this evening with Mikel San Jose coming into the side to replace the injured skipper Carlos Gurpegi. Oscar de Marcos also starts, but there is no space in the side for Benat. Atletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, leaves Arda Turan and David Villa on the sidelines, with Jose Sosa and Raul Garcia both starting. Leading scorer Diego Costa is also in the XI for the visitors.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won four of the last five matches. However, Bilbao's one victory during that run of fixtures came in the corresponding match last season, when they secured all the points with a 3-0 win. The pair also met in the Copa del Rey this season, with Atletico advancing over the two legs after a 2-1 win in this stadium followed a 1-0 success in the Spanish capital.
It has been a highly successful season for Bilbao, who sit in fourth position on 56 points. They are six points clear of fifth-place Sevilla and bar a late turnaround, will have the chance to bring Champions League football to San Mames next season. However, they have drawn three of their last four matches in the league, including a stalemate with Elche last week. That said, their recent form has been very strong...
Bilbao's home form this season has been the main reason for their success. They have won 11 of their 15 matches, losing just once in the process. Neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid have won in this stadium this season, but their away form has been patchy with five wins, five draws and five defeats from 15 fixtures.
Bilbao's defensive record this season has been stunning with just 32 conceded, which is the third-best record in the league behind Barcelona and Atletico – who have conceded just 21 times. Down the other end, Bilbao have also impressed with 52 strikes in their 30 matches, while Atletico have registered 67 times – 24 of which have come from leading scorer Costa, who scored against Granada in the 1-0 win during the week.
Many thought that Atletico would fade out of the La Liga title race in the latter part of the season, but that has simply not been the case. Diego Simeone's side have won their last four in the league without conceding a single goal and another victory this evening would see them return to the top of the table with just seven games remaining. It promises to be a fascinating end to the title race in Spain.
Atletico have suffered on the road in recent months with defeats to Osasuna and Almeria, but they have won 10 times away from the Calderon, conceding just 12 times in the process. They needed a second-half strike from Costa to overcome Granada on Wednesday and defeat for Real Madrid at Sevilla allowed Simeone's side to move one point clear at the top. However, they currently sit second after Barca's win at Espanyol this afternoon.
PREDICTION: Under normal circumstances - a point would be a good result for Atletico. However, at this stage of the season, they simply need to pick up all three points. Bilbao will have other ideas, however, as the home team attempt to consolidate fourth spot in the table. In truth, I am finding it difficult to separate the two teams and will therefore back a 1-1 draw at San Mames.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - coule be vital. The away side get the first 45 minutes underway at San Mames.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The home supporters have not been used to their side losing this season and will expect that to continue against Atletico. Early possession for the home side with the likes of Rico and De Marcos enjoying the ball in the Atletico half.
Early free kick for the home side as Godin fells Susaeta in a wide position. The resulting free kick is delivered by Susaeta, but it is too deep for Iturraspe, who had made a run towards the far post. One-way traffic in the early exchanges at San Mames, with Atletico forced to drop deeper and deeper under pressure.
Just a reminder that three points for the away side would see them return to the top of the table. Later this evening, Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Bernabeu. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes, but Bilbao have had more of the ball. Atletico have certainly been used to sitting deep and countering this season. However, Bilbao have pace all over the pitch this evening.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-0 Atletico (Muniain)
Bilbao take the lead inside six minutes as Muniain meets a through pass from San Jose before lifting his effort over the onrushing Courtois. Brilliant from the Spanish Under-21 international.
Wow - incredible start from Bilbao. Atletico break down the other end with Costa, but the Spanish international is denied inside the box by a fine challenge from Laporte. The resulting corner also causes concern inside the Bilbao box, but Costa fires high and wide of the crossbar from a wide position.
As it stands, the title race in Spain is taking another twist. It was always going to be a difficult match for Atletico, who have struggled for possession in the opening 11 minutes at San Mames. Bilbao's goal will have gone down well in Barcelona and certain parts of the capital that is for certain. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as Bilbao threaten once more as Susaeta drives down the right.
Better from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Costa starting to see more of the ball in the final third. However, Bilbao continue to surround the striker in forward areas. We have seen little from the likes of Sosa and Garcia thus far, however, with Bilbao comfortable in defensive areas. It remains 1-0 Bilbao.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Atletico as Costa finds himself in a one-on-one situation with Iraizoz, but the Bilbao stopper makes a fine save. What an opportunity for the Spanish forward to level.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as both sides force the issue in the final third. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial. Rico looks for the run of Muniain once more behind the Atletico defence, but Godin is across to clear. Fascinating contest in Bilbao.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments following a number of late challenges. The latest foul from Bilbao hands Atletico the chance to deliver into the box, but Gabi's set piece is poor and it goes out for a goal kick. It remains 1-0 Bilbao with 20 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Another chance for Atletico as Koke finds the run of Costa beyond the Bilbao defence, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Costa has looked the most likely for Atletico, which is not much of a surprise. The opening 22 minutes of this La Liga contest have just flown past.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Atletico (Costa)
Atletico level with 22 minutes on the clock as Costa collects a loose pass from Iturraspe before driving into the box and finishing into the bottom corner. Another brilliant strike from the powerful forward.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Suarez meets a corner from Sosa at the near post, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. Bilbao break down the other end with Susaeta moments later, but Koke is across to make the challenge. Moments later, Costa meets a cross from Garcia, but fells Iraola in the process.
Brilliant character from Atletico as the away side continue to force the issue in the final third, but Bilbao have pace and movement on the counter. Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium, however, with that strike from Costa silencing San Mames. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Bilbao.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Atletico continue to enjoy most of the ball in forward areas. The referee, meanwhile, has been more involved due to a number of late tackles. Another free kick arrives for Atletico outside the Bilbao box, but Koke's delivery is gathered by Iraizoz.
Half-chance for the home side as Iraola fires a low ball into the feet of Aduriz, who turns away from Godin, but the striker just loses possession at the vital moment. The pressure continues from Bilbao as Rico floats a cross towards the back post, but Luis is on hand to make the clearance. Sensational football at San Mames.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Atletico as Luis combines with Costa before finding Garcia at the far post, but somehow the midfielder fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Stunning miss!
CHANCE! Bilbao's turn to pass up an incredible chance as Susaeta meets a header from Aduriz, but somehow the Spaniard drops his effort just wide of the post after beating Courtois to the ball. Not too sure about some of the Atletico defending during that period of play. It remains 1-1 at San Mames.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. In case you have just joined me - Muniain sent Bilbao into the lead after six minutes, but Costa levelled 16 minutes later. Since then, both sides have had a number of clear chances.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park as both sides continue to compete, which brings a strong reaction from the home supporters. The opening 41 minutes of this contest have just flown past. On the balance of play and chances created - a 1-1 draw is just about a fair reflection. Bilbao launch another attack through Iraola, but Luis is across to clear once more. Is there to be late drama in the first period?
Yellow card for Gabi as the Atletico midfielder handles in the middle of the park. That booking means that the Spaniard will miss their next league match against Villarreal. Strong pressure from Bilbao in the last couple of moments, but a deep cross from De Marcos is cleared by Godin. Moments later, Sosa clashes with Bilbao goalkeeper Iraizoz, which brings another furious reaction from the home supporters.
Bilbao possession in the latter stages of the half, but Atletico are comfortable in defensive areas. It has been an end-to-end first 45 minutes at San Mames, with both sides passing up clear opportunities. As it stands, Atletico would remain in second position behind Barcelona, while Bilbao would remain in fourth.
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 1-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first 45 minutes to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. A lofted effort from Muniain left Bilbao ahead inside six minutes, but Costa levelled for Atletico after 22 minutes. Both have had a number of clear opportunities, but the two rivals enter the interval on terms.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have had more of the possession with 61%, but they have managed just two attempts - just one of which has been on target and indeed brought the opening goal. Atletico, meanwhile, have had six attempts in total and two on target. Just the one booking in the opening half of action, meanwhile, with Gabi handed a yellow for Atletico, which rules him out of the clash with Villarreal next week.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Toquero, Benat, Saborit and Guillermo. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Villa, Rodriguez, Turan and Aquino in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Just a reminder that following this match we have live commentary from Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano - be sure to remain with me for that. Right, the home side get the second period underway at San Mames. Let's hope for goals!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Atletico as Costa meets a long ball from Koke before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. Incredible opportunity.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. In truth, Atletico should be ahead here and Costa should have a hat-trick to his name.
Penalty shout for Atletico as Costa goes down in the box under pressure from Laporte, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given that is for certain. Brilliant start to the second period from Atletico, with the home side struggling to exert their influence in the final third. However, it remains level.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side following a poor piece of defending from Godin, but somehow De Marcos fires high and wide of the crossbar from close range. Oh my word what a miss!
GOAL! Bilbao 1-2 Atletico (Koke)
Atletico take the lead with 55 minutes on the clock as Koke converts a Luis cross from inside the box. Brilliant move from the capital outfit, who are heading back to the top of the La Liga table.
Atletico make their first change of the match as Turan enters the field in place of Sosa, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and Atletico, as it stands, are heading back to the top of La Liga. However, there is time for that to change at San Mames.
CHANCE! De Marcos comes close to levelling for Bilbao after striking one from outside the box, but his effort deflects off Godin before dropping just over the crossbar. So close for the home side.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aduriz meets a cross from Susaeta, but Courtois is on hand to palm the striker's header over the crossbar. The resulting corner also causes problems inside the Atletico box, but Miranda manages to clear the danger. Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining at San Mames.
Almost a horror moment for Iraizoz as the Bilbao goalkeeper comes a long way to clear a through pass from Koke, but slips at the final moment. However, he just manages to clear the danger. Much better from the home side in the last five minutes or so, with Atletico being forced into a deeper position. Pulsating contest.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. No movement on the Bilbao bench as it stands, but I suspect that changes will occur in the next 10 minutes or so. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Atletico still lead.
Bilbao want a penalty as Aduriz goes down inside the box under pressure from Miranda, but the referee is not interested. Atletico are down the other end with Garcia moments later, but Laporte makes the challenge. End-to-end football at San Mames, but no real opening for either side since Koke scored Atletico's second.
Bilbao look to their bench as young forward Guillermo enters the field in place of Susaeta, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Atletico continue to control the possession in the final third and have a sight of goal as Luis delivers towards Turan, but Laporte is across to clear at the vital moment.
As mentioned, three points for Atletico would see them return to the top of the table. Bilbao, meanwhile, would remain fourth with a defeat, but they would be just six points ahead of Sevilla, who sit fifth. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Atletico continue to dominate proceedings.
Bit of a nothing match at the moment with the crowd struggling to get behind their side in the latter stages. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in the final 15 minutes or so, but Atletico are in control of proceedings. Bilbao continue to work the ball wide, but Courtois remains dominant in the air.
Bilbao look to their bench once more as Toquero enters the field in place of De Marcos. All-out attack for the home side in the latter stages, but Atletico continue to look dangerous on the counter. Turan fires one from outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Still 2-1 Atletico with 79 minutes on the clock.
PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Bilbao as Toquero falls in the box under pressure from Turan, but the referee is not interested. It was a heavy challenge from the Turkish international.
SAVE! Sensational stop from Courtois as the Atletico goalkeeper claws a header from Aduriz wide of the post from close range. Stunning goalkeeping from the on-loan Chelsea stopper once more.
Another half-chance for the home side as Muniain finds some space outside the box, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Moments later, Atletico make a change as Rodriguez replaces Garcia. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining and still the away side lead 2-1. Incredible contest at San Mames.
Bilbao make their third change as Benat replaces Rico, who has been impressive this evening. Strong pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but Atletico continue to resist the danger. Those in Barcelona and sections of Madrid will be hoping for a late rally from Bilbao that is for certain.
RED CARD! Laporte (Bilbao)
Bilbao are reduced to 10 men as Laporte picks up his second booking for pulling Costa to the ground outside the box. The job has just become even harder for the home side. Little over three minutes remaining.
Silence inside the stadium as Atletico continue to enjoy the ball in the Bilbao box. Are Simeone's side going to hold on for all three points? It would be an incredible win for the capital outfit.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Atletico make their third and final change as Costa is replaced by Villa.
Half-chance for the home side as Iraola strikes one from outside the box, but Miranda makes a fine block. Rodriguez is down the other end for Atletico moments later, but the attacker is forced into a wide position. Atletico are almost there and they have possession in the Bilbao half once more.
FULL TIME: Bilbao 1-2 Atletico
So there we have it. Atletico win again in La Liga to move ahead of Barcelona into first position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Madrid as Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano. Until then!
