Athletic Bilbao welcomed Atletico Madrid to San Mames on Sunday looking to improve on their disappointing La Liga season to date.
The first period was a drab affair, with few chances for either side. The deadlock was broken moments into the second half, however, when San Jose headed home from close range.
Atletico had chances of their own late in the second period, but goals from Markel Susaeta and Oscar de Marcos wrapped up the three points for Bilbao late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga commentary of the weekend comes from the Basque region as Bilbao welcome high-flying Atletico to San Mames. Both these sides have had contrasting fortunes this season, but it was not too long ago (May 2012) that the pair were competing in the final of the Europa League, with Atletico running out 3-0 winners.
Since that evening, the two teams have moved in opposite directions. Bilbao have taken just seven points from their last six league matches, while early struggles has left them 15th in the table. Long gone is the team that terrorised Manchester United in Europe last season, but they did pick up a 1-1 draw at Betis last time out in their most impressive performance of the season.
Atletico, meanwhile, continue to enjoy a stunning season. They have taken 13 points from their last six matches to occupy second spot in the table. They may sit some 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, but they are four ahead of capital rivals Real Madrid with a game in hand. It comes as no surprise that they have the second-best defence in the league this season, while they also have the third-best attack.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Aurtenetxe, Ekiza; Laporte, Susaeta, Herrera; Aduriz, Muniain, De Marcos
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Diaz, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Emre, Garcia; Turan, Rodriguez, Costa
Here we go then. Just a note on the team news. Bilbao are pretty much as expected with Iker Muniain and Oscar de Marcos in attack, while Ander Herrera also starts. Atletico are still without the injured Radamel Falcao, with Diego Costa starting as the lone forward once more. The home side get the action underway.
High-tempo start from Bilbao with Susaeta forcing an early corner for the home side. The resulting set piece is fired into the penalty area by Herrera, but the danger is headed clear by Godin. Just a reminder that there is another La Liga fixture currently taking place with Real Mallorca welcoming Malaga. I will keep you up-to-date with events there.
CHANCE! Glorious opening for the home side as De Marcos pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar from close range. What a chance to register the opening goal. Bilbao have made much the better start here.
First sign of Atletico as an attacking threat as Arda Turan picks possession in a wide area before finding Rodriguez in the box, but the forward just cannot sort out his feet in time. Emre has another swing at the ball moments later, but slices it into the air. Really high-tempo start from both sides in this match.
Atletico have just started to gain a foot hold in this match with Emre, Tiago and Raul Garcia dictating the possession from midfield. The latter attempts to find the run of Turan with a searching pass, but the Turkish international just cannot collect with San Jose coming across to clear the danger. It's Bilbao now with possession in their own half.
Half-chances at either end. The first comes to the home side as Muniain finds De Marcos in the box, but the Spanish forward just cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is thumped clear. A poor back-pass from Iraola almost puts Iraizoz in trouble down the other end, but the goalkeeper just beats Costa to the bouncing ball.
It isn't a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere in the early stages. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score first in order to keep the crowd on side. Bilbao continue to pass and probe outside the box, but a low cross from Aduriz comes to nothing.
Half-chance for the home side once more as De Marcos meets a bouncing ball in the penalty area, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. A corner follows moments later, but Herrera can only turn over from close range. Strong spell from Bilbao, but the score remains 0-0.
Update: Malaga have taken the lead against Real Mallorca have a strike from Javier Saviola. Back to this match, the scoring is almost opened by Aduriz as the striker hits an effort from a wide position, but he can only fire over the crossbar. Atletico attack down the other end with Tiago, but it comes to nothing.
Much of the early tempo has just dropped in the last few moments, but both sides are still offering plenty of indications that they are prepared to attack with pace and numbers. Garcia has a long-range strike for the away side, but it just moves high and wide of the crossbar. Still no real clear chances with 17 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match for the away side as Luis drives into the penalty area before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, it takes a huge deflection, but just drops the wrong side of the post. However, the pressure continues with two corners in quick succession.
The home side want a penalty as Muniain dances into the area before being pulled back by Juanfran, but the referee is simply not interested as he points for a goal kick, much to the frustration of the home supporters. There is a great deal of urgency to this Bilbao performance at the moment as another low cross comes into the box, but Godin is on hand to clear.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Muniain finds Susaeta in the penalty area, the Spaniard strikes a low effort towards goal, but Courtois is on hand to make a stunning save down low. Just how good is this goalkeeper? He is certainly one of the best stoppers in the world at such a young age.
The home side continue to force the issue with their midfield duo joining the forward attacks. They force another free kick in a dangerous position as Garcia fells Herrera, but the resulting delivery from the Spaniard comes to nothing. We have not seen much from the away side as an attacking threat for some time.
It would be fair to state that Bilbao have been much the better side in the opening 27 minutes of this match. However, we have seen it all too often from Atletico this season. Just when they appear to be struggling, they create one chance and take the lead. Bilbao simply have to score during this impressive period in the match.
The rain is really starting to fall as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match. That will make the surface quicker and therefore more mistakes could happen. Not good for the players, but enjoyable for the spectator. Still no goals, but Bilbao continue to look the side more capable of creating in the final third.
It's decent pressure from the away side as Turan collects possession in a wide area before driving into the box, but the midfielder cannot find Costa, who was lurking just outside the area. Bilbao attempt to release Muniain on the counter, but there is just such limited space to operate in the final third.
Update: Malaga lead 2-1 against Real Mallorca. Isco grabbed the away side's second, but Victor has just cut the deficit for Mallorca. Still no sign of goals in this match, however, with Courtois continuing to collect each high ball into the penalty area.
Half-chance for Herrera as the Bilbao midfielder strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it just whistles past the post, Courtois was certainly worried as he threw himself to his right. Atletico cause problems down the other end with Costa, but the striker cannot sort out his feet with San Jose in close proximity.
Slight opportunity for the away side as Turan fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Iraizoz just comes to collect from the head of Costa. Luis picks up possession before striking an effort on goal, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Still no goals with little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
The first yellow card of the evening is handed to Luis as the Atletico defender brings down Herrera on the left. The resulting free kick is taken by the Spanish midfielder, but the delivery fails to beat the first man. It comes out to Laporte on the edge of the box, but the Frenchman can only strike wide of the target.
More frustration for the home supporters as the referee fails to award Bilbao a free kick outside the Atletico penalty area. It almost gets worse as Costa threatens on the break, but Iraizoz does his best superman impression to head clear outside the box. Little under five minutes of the half remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Luis strikes a powerful free kick from outside the box, but it takes a deflection before moving straight into the open arms of the Bilbao goalkeeper. Once more the volume is raised as Ekiza attacks down the other end, but the Spaniard just overruns it.
A half-chance comes to the away side as Emre meets a cross from Turan in the penalty area, but the Turkish international can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. That really should have been the opening goal. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the opening half of football to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been the best of 45 minutes. Although there have been a couple of decent chances for each side.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Bilbao have dominated the possession with 67%, while both sides have had seven attempts on goal. Bilbao have managed just the one strike on goal, however, with the away side registering four. There has not been too much in it thus far.
Let's take a look at the benches for this evening. Atletico have a host of options on the sidelines with Toquero, Iturraspe and Ibai capable of making an impact. Meanwhile, Atletico are also strong with Mario Suarez, Koke and Adrian all in reserve. It could be the type of match that requires fresh legs in the final stages.
Update: There is another La Liga clash taking place this evening with Malaga leading Real Mallorca 2-1 at the interval. As things stand, Malaga would move back into fourth position. However, you get the feeling that there are still many twists and turns to come this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of supporters join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all too surprising at this stage of proceedings. As it stands Atletico would remain in second position, five points ahead of Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Bilbao would move into 14th. The away side get the second period underway.
Decent start to the second period from the home side with Susaeta, Herrera and Aduriz combining in the final third. The latter attempts to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it just moves high of the post. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to win this match. There is really not a great deal in it.
Possession football from Bilbao as they continue to pass and probe outside the Atletico penalty area. They force another free kick as Turan fells Herrera outside the box, but Susaeta's delivery is straight into the arms of Courtois, who has been fantastic once more this evening.
The away side have a similar chance of their own down the other end as Tiago whips a dangerous cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Costa, with Iraizoz out to gather the danger. Just a quick note - Atletico have kept 18 clean sheets this season. Has this got a 0-0 draw written all over it?
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Atletico Madrid (San Jose)
I posed the question, will this match end 0-0? The answer is no as San Jose meets a corner before thumping his header into the back of the net. Wonderful from the makeshift midfielder. Bilbao have the goal that their play has certainly deserved.
The home side continue to force the issue with Herrera and Susaeta joining the attack at each opportunity. The latest chance comes to the latter as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just moves past the post. Atletico just have not started in this second period thus far.
Slight handbags between Rodriguez and Ekiza as the former bundles into the back of the Bilbao defender, with the Atletico midfielder receiving a yellow card for his troubles. Diego Godin then gets himself involved as a melee follows. Untidy scenes.
The challenges continue to fly in as Emre has his name taken for a late tackle on Laporte. You just get the feeling that there will be a red card in the remaining stages of this match. Diego Simeone attempts to calm his team from the sidelines, but this is real fierce encounter with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for the away side as Garcia collects possession in the area before turning and striking an effort towards goal, but the midfielder can only fire high and wide of the target. Still no movement on either bench, but I would expect Adrian to be introduced for the away side as the minutes continue to tick on.
Half-chance for Atletico once more as Costa meets a corner from Tiago, but the powerful striker can only head straight into the arms of Iraizoz. Just about the best spell of the second period for the away side as they continue to force the issue. The home side make their first change of the match with Gurpegi replacing Ekiza, who has been unable to shake off his injury.
The pressure continues from the away side as Costa forces another corner. However, Bilbao's defence remains firm to clear once more. Atletico do make a change of their own, however, with Adrian Lopez replacing Emre. The Spaniard has only scored four goals this season, but what a time it would be to add to that tally.
It's all one-way traffic at the moment as Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area. You just get the feeling that Bilbao need to push out if they are to take something from this match. Another chance comes as Garcia strikes an effort from outside the box, but Iraizoz gets down low to make a smart save.
Bilbao continue to drop deeper and deeper as the crosses come into the penalty area, but the home side continue to quell each attack. However, they simply cannot move out of their own box with Atletico pinning them in. Surely they will come to regret it in the latter stages? Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Both managers continue to wave their arms about on the sidelines, with Marcelo Bielsa doing his best to land the incoming plane. Simeone has taken more of a laboured approach, but he is attempting to get his point across. This would be a real blow for the away side if they lost this evening. The play has just become stop-start in the past few moments with a host of fouls.
Another half-chance for the home side as De Marcos bursts into the penalty area before striking a powerful effort at goal, but once more Courtois is on hand to make the save. The resulting corner is met by San Jose, but the Spaniard can only head over the crossbar. Meanwhile, it appears that Koke will soon join us for the away side.
The change is indeed made as Koke replace Rodriguez, who might well have been sent off in the final stages of this match. Muniain attempts to put the game beyond the away side as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but Courtois was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and still Bilbao lead.
Update: Malaga have taken a 3-1 lead against Real Mallorca. It appears almost certain that they will return to fourth position in the table. Back to this match, Bilbao have just quelled the Atletico threat in the past few moments, but there still a real danger for the home side. Will we have late drama here?
Half-chance for the home side once more as Aduriz dances into the penalty area before attempting to lift his effort over the goalkeeper, but the Belgian stopper is on hand to clear once more. End-to-end football as Adrian collects possession down the other end, but the Spaniard's effort is poor.
The chances continue to come for Bilbao as Susaeta strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Courtois is once more on hand to turn the ball around the post. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but eventually the danger is scrambled clear through Koke.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Atletico Madrid (Susaeta)
Bilbao finally have their second goal as Susaeta collects a fine pass from Herrera before firing a low effort into the bottom corner. They have not had too many enjoyable nights this evening, but this will go down as one of their best wins of the season - should they hold on.
Bilbao will move into 12th position in the table as things stand. Atletico will remain in second position, but Real Madrid continue to move closer and closer. That said, a goal for Atletico in the next couple of moments would cause a real stir. Last throw of the dice for Atletico as Turan is replaced by Suarez, while Herrera is replaced by Iturraspe.
Little over eight minutes for the home side to hold on in this match. Hold on is probably a little unfair based on the way that they have played, but there is always a chance that this Atletico side can claw their way back into the match. There is no question that they have missed Radamel Falcao this evening.
Bilbao continue to push forward with De Marcos and Muniain causing all sorts of problems with their pace and attacking movement. Based on this performance, you do question why they are in the bottom half of the table. There is no Fernando Llorente, who has agreed to join Juventus, but their young players have impressed this evening.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Atletico Madrid (De Marcos)
The home side have their third of the night as Aduriz finds De Marcos in the penalty area and the striker simply cannot miss as he thumps his effort into the back of the net. What a disastrous evening for Atletico.
The home side make their third and final change of the match as Muniain is replaced by Ibai Gomez. It has been a wonderful night for the home side. There is a chance for four as Susaeta ghosts into the penalty area at the far post, but Courtois comes out to make another fine save.
The home supporters are in wonderful voice in the final moments of this match as they close out the evening. This could be seen as the turning point in their season. For Atletico? They must move on and prepare for their Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Sevilla on Thursday. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
Not too much to report in the final moments of this match with Bilbao closing out proceedings with a strong period of possession. I certainly did not see this scoreline coming. It will send shockwaves through La Liga I don't think there is a question about that. Late half-chance for the away side as Costa strikes an effort from outside the box, but it moves well wide of the target. That is just about it for this one.
FULL-TIME: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Bilbao pick up all three points in a comprehensive win over Atletico. Malaga still lead Real Mallorca in the final moments of their clash. Look our for our match report on that fixture in the coming minutes. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more Spanish football tomorrow. Until then!
