Atletico Madrid travelled to the Balaidos on Saturday knowing that three points against Celta Vigo would move them into first spot in the La Liga table following Barcelona's defeat at Real Valladolid earlier in the afternoon.
Both sides had half-chances in a tight first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the break.
However, David Villa scored twice in the space of two second-half minutes to move the capital outfit to the top of the division due to their superior head-to-head record over Real Madrid.
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 the Balaidos as Celta Vigo welcome Atletico Madrid. A strong run of form has moved Celta away from the bottom three and into 11th, but they are just four points from the relegation zone. Atletico, meanwhile, remain third in the table, but three points this evening would move them into second following Barcelona's defeat at Valladolid earlier this afternoon.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Yoel; Mallo, Cabral, Fontas, Jonny; Oubina, Lopez; Krohn-Dehli, Orellana, Nolito; Charles
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Koke, Suarez; Diego, Garcia, Villa
So there we have it. No Rafinha for the home side this evening, but Michael Krohn-Dehli, Fabian Orellana and Nolito will all provide support for the lone forward Charles. Atletico, meanwhile, are without suspended trio Diego Godin, Diego Costa and Arda Turan, meaning that Diego and Raul Garcia will join David Villa in attack. Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld is also a starter for the capital outfit.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won four of the last five matches, with the further fixture during that run of games ending in a 1-1 draw. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 3-1 win for Atletico, who were also 2-1 victors on their own patch earlier this season.
A difficult middle part of the season threatened to harm Celta's chances of remaining in La Liga this season, but they have lost just one of their last five in the league. That defeat came on the road to Elche last time out, but as it stands, they sit 11th, just three points behind 10th-place Espanyol.
Celta struggled to pick up wins on their own patch earlier in the season and have managed just three home victories in their entire 2013/14 campaign thus far. Only Granada, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano have a worse home record than Celta. However, they have won five times on their travels, with that run of form seeing them move to relative safety at this stage of the season.
Goals have not been much of a problem for Celta this season with 32 in their 26 matches, while Atletico have registered 61 times. Down the other end, Celta have conceded 37 times. Atletico, meanwhile, have the best defensive record in the division with just 21 conceded, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.
It has been a testing few weeks for Atletico, but a 2-2 draw at home to Real Madrid last weekend kept them in the hunt for the title. They have struggled on their travels in recent weeks, however, with losses against Almeria and Osasuna dropping them into third. That said, three points this evening would move them into second position following Barcelona's surprise 1-0 defeat at Valladolid this afternoon.
Despite struggling on the road in recent weeks, Atletico's away record this season is strong with eight wins from their 12 matches. However, they have struggled to score goals on their travels with just 18 in 12 games, which is 16 less than title and capital rivals Real Madrid have managed away from the Bernabeu.
PREDICTION: Celta - Rafinha aside - arguably have their strongest XI on the field this evening, but Atletico are missing a number of key personnel. This evening is a fantastic chance for the away side to move into second spot in the table following Barcelona's slip-up at Valladolid, but I think Celta have enough about them to claim a point. My score prediction at the Balaidos is 1-1.
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. Just a quick note on another full-time in La Liga - Real Betis have just beaten Getafe 2-0. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
All-action start at the Balaidos with both sides full of energy in the opening couple of minutes. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial in this type of contest.
Possession football from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Luis and Juanfran both involved in forward areas. The latter combines with Koke before driving a low cross into the box, but Mallo is on hand to clear under pressure from Garcia. Moments later, Diego has a low effort deflected behind for an away corner.
CHANCE! The home side have an opportunity to open the scoring after six minutes as Nolito threatens to meet a through pass from Lopez, but Courtois is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Belgian, who just managed to punch clear on the edge of his own box.
Another half-chance for the home side as Oubina finds some space outside the box before striking one towards goal, but his effort just flashes wide of the post. Just a few signs that Celta are starting to warm to their task this evening. Atletico, meanwhile, have been slightly wasteful in the last couple of minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, with both sides attempting to settle into the early stages. Atletico remain a threat in the wide positions with both Juanfran and Luis forcing the issue. The former gains a free kick from Fontas, but the resulting set piece from Diego is headed clear by Cabral, but the pressure continues down the opposite side.
Atletico have the ball in the back of the net through Garcia, but the offside flag had been raised. Celta want a free kick just outside the Atletico box moments later, but the referee is not interested, which brings whistles from the home supporters. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock, but it has been lively.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of untidy challenges in the middle of the park, with Oubina felling Garcia in an off-the-ball altercation. Neither side is particularly in control of the possession, but Atletico look the more threatening in attack.
Atletico continue to look long from defensive areas, but without Diego Costa, they do not have that aerial threat. The match continues to flow from end-to-end, but clear opportunities have been at a premium in the opening 17 minutes of football. Neither manager will be too disappointed, however, at this stage of events.
Atletico threaten down the right once more as Juanfran combines with Koke before driving to the edge of the Celta box, but Oubina is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Down the other end, Charles is penalised for an elbow on Alderweireld, which gains the Brazilian a yellow. Scrappy last couple of minutes.
Half-chance for the home side as Lopez finds some space just outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort moves wide of the post. Still goalless with 21 minutes on the clock.
The scrappy period of the match continues with a number of late challenges and handballs interrupting the flow of proceedings. That has, in turn, quietened the supporters inside the stadium. It is the type of match where the first goal could be all-important. Still no clear chances for either side at the Baladios.
CLOSE! Celta goalkeeper Yoel is almost caught out from the half-way line as Garcia strikes a wonderful half-volley towards goal, but it just bounces over the crossbar. Moments later, Yoel is on hand to deny Koke with a fine low save, before Mallo clears under pressure from Garcia. Finally some action!
Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to warm to their task as they control possession in the final third, while the home side are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Just a reminder that three points for Atletico would move them second after Barcelona lost 1-0 at Valladolid this afternoon.
Half-chance for the home side as Mallo finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Both managers are currently parading the touchline at the moment with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Neither side deserves to be ahead at this stage.
Penalty shout from the home supporters as a powerful strike from Mallo hits the body of Alderweireld, but the referee is not interested. It would have been extremely harsh, but Mallo's effort did appear to be arrowing into the bottom corner. Little over 10 minutes of the first period to play, with the score still goalless.
Good atmosphere inside the stadium in the last couple of moments with the home supporters finding their voice. Atletico remain a threat on the counter, but the likes of Villa and Diego have struggled to influence proceedings in the opening 35 minutes. Juanfran remains the main outlet down the right for the away side.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Atletico have started to threaten from wide areas. A deep cross from Juanfran threatens to find the head of Villa, but Cabral is on hand to clear, before the resulting corner is cleared by Orellana. Still goalless after 37 minutes.
Not too much guile in this Atletico XI this evening with Turan and Costa both missing. Another half-chance arrives for the home side after good running from Krohn-Dehli, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Balaidos. Not much quality thus far it must be said.
Atletico attempt to play through Celta once more, but they simply do not have the pace in their forward line to trouble the home side, which is allowing the hosts to play a high line. Celta enjoy a period of possession before Nolito finds Charles, but the Brazilian had moved into an offside position.
Liverpool forward Iago Aspas is in attendance this evening. I would not read too much into that with Celta being his old team, but the Spaniard has been linked with a return to Spain in recent months. Not too much to report in the latter stages of the half, with the two sides still level at 0-0.
HALF TIME: Celta 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Celta have shaded the half in terms of possession, but neither side has done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings.
STATISTICS: As mentioned, Celta have shaded the possession with 57%. Meanwhile, they have had six attempts to Atletico's four. That said, neither goalkeeper has been too worried thus far. There has been three yellow cards, meanwhile, with Charles in the book for Celta and Gabi and Suarez for Atletico.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Fernandez, Madinda and Mina. Meanwhile, Atletico have options in the shape of Adrian, Rodriguez and Sosa, but they are without the services of key duo Costa and Turan through suspension.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Atletico would remain third, but three points would move them into second spot in the table. A point for Celta, meanwhile, would keep them in 11th. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
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. Bright start from the home side as Lopez delivers a deep cross towards Orellana, but it moves out of play for a goal kick, which Courtois plays long towards Garcia.
Opportunity for the away side to threaten from a free kick as Lopez fells Garcia just outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Gabi and met by Garcia, but his header is over the crossbar. It would not have counted, however, with the Spaniard moving into an offside position. Still goalless at the Balaidos.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in terms of the final result. I backed a 1-1 draw before the contest, but a goalless draw would also not be much of a surprise. Another Atletico attack breaks down in the final third as Villa's cross is headed clear by centre-back Fontas.
Half-chance for the away side as Garcia finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, it takes a deflection off Cabral, but Yoel manages to adjust his body and make the save. Atletico are pressing high up the field in the early stages of the second period, which is leaving the home side with little space in the middle of the park. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining in Vigo.
A late challenge from Luis on Cabral hands Celta a free kick just outside the Atletico box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Lopez, but there are no takers at the far post. We are getting to the period of the match where both managers will be considering changes. Still we wait for the first real chance of the match.
Half-chance for Celta once more as Lopez finds Charles just inside the box, but his low effort is straight into the arms of Courtois. Atletico are down the other end with Garcia moments later, but Orellana is on hand to perform his defensive work. Still goalless with little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Vigo, with Garcia firing wide of the post for Atletico.
CHANCE! Much better from Atletico as Luis latches onto a loose ball inside the box before firing towards goal, but Yoel is on hand to make a fine save. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Celta break with Charles, but the ball runs away from the Brazilian at the final moment.
Celta make their first change of the match as Fernandez enters the field in place of Orellana. Atletico follow with a change of their own as Argentine attacker Sosa replaces Koke. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to warm to their task as they continue to dominate possession in the final third.
GOAL! Celta 0-1 Atletico (Villa)
Atletico take the lead after 62 minutes as Villa latches onto a poor back-pass from Jonny before facing up to Yoel and finishing into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the Spanish international.
GOAL! Celta 0-2 Atletico (Villa)
Wow, just wow. Villa scores his second in the space of a minute as the Spaniard collects a cross from Sosa before thrashing his effort into the bottom corner for his 13th league goal of the season.
As it stands, Atletico would move top of the table following their superior head-to-head record over Real Madrid. What a turnaround that would be after they lost at Osasuna in their last away match. What has happened to Celta? In the space of two minutes this match might have been taken away from them.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Celta have started to open up in the final third. The home side make their first change of the match as Mina replaces Charles, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Vigo.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid host Levante at the Bernabeu tomorrow. Three points for Los Blancos would see them return to the top of the table and drop Barcelona into third. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges.
Half-chance for Villa to score his third as Sosa delivers a dangerous cross towards the Spanish striker, but Yoel is on hand to punch clear at the vital moment. Celta are down the other end with Mina moments later, but his low effort is into the arms of Courtois. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Vigo.
Atletico make their second change of the match as Diego is replaced by Rodriguez. Celta also make their second sub as Madinda replaces Krohn-Dehli. You just get the feeling that one goal for Celta would change this match. Lopez attempts to beat Courtois from distance, but once more the Belgian stopper makes the save.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with Celta struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third, which has been the story of their season. Plenty of smart football in the middle of the pitch, but without really sustaining a period of pressure.
Good pressure from the home side in the last few moments with Madinda and Mina combining just inside the Atletico box, but the latter's effort is straight at Courtois. Moments later, Mina's flicked effort at the near post is cleared by Alderweireld, who has been impressive on his return to the XI this evening.
Another penalty shout from the home supporters as Juanfran appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It might have hit the right-back on the hand, but it would have been extremely harsh. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Vigo, with Villa's double leaving Atletico with a 2-0 lead.
Atletico make their third and final change of the match as Adrian Lopez enters the field in place of Villa, whose two goals are the difference this evening. Is there to be late drama at the Balaidos?
End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides threatening to add to the tally on the counter attack. Rodriguez has the chance to break for Atletico, but Mallo is across to deny what would have been a one-on-one situation for the attacker. Down the other end, there are no takers on a deep cross from Madinda.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. In truth, not too much has happened in the last five minutes or so, with Atletico prepared to keep possession of the ball in the Celta half. They are heading for the top of the La Liga table.
FULL TIME: Celta 0-2 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to an end with Villa's double handing Atletico all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
