Atletico Madrid travelled to top-four hopefuls Celta Vigo on Sunday evening knowing that a win would see them return to the top of the La Liga table ahead of reigning champions Barcelona.
Atletico had the better of what was an untidy first period, but the two teams entered the break on terms.
The visitors took the lead early in the second half, however, when Antoine Griezmann turned home from close range, before Yannick Ferreira Carrasco made it 2-0 late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Balaidos as Celta Vigo welcome Atletico Madrid in arguably the game of the weekend in Spain's top flight. Celta are making a real push for the top four this season, but they have lost their last two in the league and face an Atletico team here that are looking to return to the top of the table. It should be a cracking game!
H2H! Celta were 2-0 winners when the pair met in the corresponding league fixture last season, but Atletico have won four of the last six league matches between the two teams. Recent history suggests that there will be goals tonight, meanwhile, with 15 registered in their last five matches. Atletico's last victory in this stadium (2-0) occurred in March 2014.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from Vigo. Both sides were in Copa del Rey action during the week so there have been plenty of changes...
TEAMS:
CELTA: Sergio; Mallo, Cabral, Gomez, Jonny; Radoja, Hernandez, Wass; Orellana, Aspas, Bongonda
ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Gabi, Augusto, Koke; Saul, Vietto, Griezmann
Celta are still without their 29-year-old Spanish forward Nolito, who continues to nurse a hamstring problem. It is no surprise that the team has struggled in his absence and the goal-scoring burden will one again lie with Iago Aspas and Fabian Orellana tonight. John Guidetti scored twice in the Copa del Rey during the week, but that is not enough to earn him a start as Theo Bongoxda is selected in a wide position. Nemanja Radoja also continues in the middle of the park for the Sky Blues.
As for the visitors, it will be a special night for Augusto Fernandez, who makes his league debut for Atletico against his former club. The midfielder spent three excellent years with Celta, before making the move to the Vicente Calderon in January. Only Jose Gimenez and Augusto keep their places from the team that started against Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey during the week, with Luciano Vietto, Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez all returning in the final third. Jackson Martinez, who has been the subject of much transfer speculation in recent weeks, remains on the bench for Diego Simeone's team.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little under 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Vigo. Local time is approaching 8pm, but the home supporters have turned up in their numbers. Celta are enjoying a strong season, with 31 points from 18 games leaving them fifth in the table, but back-to-back defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Malaga have seen them lose ground on Villarreal in the race for the top four. As it stands, Celta are eight points off fourth position.
In truth, it would be a major surprise if Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico did not finish in the Champions League positions, leaving one spot on offer. Celta are in that race along with Villarreal, while Athletic Bilbao will also fancy their chances of a challenge. As it stands, however, both Sevilla and Valencia have work to do if they are to launch a strong challenge as the season advances.
Celta did return to winning ways during the week, however, with a 3-0 win at Cadiz in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Copa del Rey. They have already beaten Barcelona on home soil in the league this season, but did lose 3-1 to Real Madrid in this stadium. Eduardo Berizzo's side do tend to raise their performance levels for the bigger clubs and they will need a strong display tonight in order to overcome a stern and well-drilled Atletico outfit, who are looking to return to the top of the table.
Entering Week 19, no team in the top half of the table had conceded more goals than Celta (25) this season. Indeed, only Rayo Vallecano (41) have a significantly poorer defensive record. Luckily, Celta have not had trouble scoring goals, hitting 28 thus far this season, which is three more than Atletico have managed. They might be able to score their way to a top-four finish, but you do worry whether they are tight enough at the back to secure a spot in the Champions League this season.
While Celta have been shipping goals, the same cannot be said for Atletico, who have only conceded eight times in their 18 league games this term. It is just a stunning record and it is no surprise that Diego Simeone's team entered Week 18 top of the table. They have since dropped to second behind Barcelona, but a win tonight would indeed see them return to the summit.
It would be fair to say that the high-profile signing of Jackson Martinez has not worked thus far, but they have found ways to win matches. Indeed, they were not particularly great at home to basement side Levante last weekend, but recorded a 1-0 win to move to the top of the table. Their last away game in the league brought a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, but they were beaten 1-0 at Malaga before the winter break. Could this man be leaving the Calderon this month...
Like Celta, Atletico were also in Copa del Rey action during the week and they could only manage a 1-1 draw away to capital rivals Rayo. Again, the performance left a little to be desired, but Simeone's side are just so difficult to beat. They might not have the attacking flair of Barcelona or Real Madrid, but there is no doubting their ability to match the top teams in European football.
This match is even more important for Atletico when considering what they have to come in the next couple of weeks. Their next league fixture is away to Las Palmas on January 17, before welcoming Sevilla one week later. On January 30, they then face a trip to Barcelona, who won at the Vicente Calderon towards the start of the season. Head-to-head results in Spain stand over goal difference and you sense that the title could well be decided by that avenue this season.
Atletico will also fancy their chances of making the quarter-finals of the Champions League having been drawn against PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16. PSV might well have been Manchester United, but it was the Dutch outfit that managed to finish second behind Wolfsburg above Louis van Gaal's side. Simply not conceding goals is a recipe for success in the Champions League, that is for sure.
Atletico are, alongside Villarreal, the team with the most games won by a one-goal margin in La Liga this season. That has occurred on seven separate occasions and they are also the only team not to be beaten by a bigger margin (one goal) this term. If Atletico take the lead in any given match, the task for the opposition becomes so much harder. For my money, Diego Godin is the best centre-back in the world.
PREDICTION! Score draw. Atletico will enter the match as the favourites and the fact that Celta do not have Nolito in their team is a big blow. That said, I just have a feeling that the home side have enough about them to secure a share of the spoils. I am predicting a tight 1-1 draw in Vigo here.
An idea of the weather as we approach kickoff...
KICKOFF! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch, which is going to take a bit of a battering tonight due to the weather. It might well be an old-fashioned game of football - plenty of slide challenges and long balls. We shall see! Right, it is the home team that kick us off...
... not exactly a full house inside the stadium, which is not too much of a surprise. The weather will have kept people away from this match. There are plenty in attendance, however, as the rain continues to fall in Vigo. Both sides have exchanged ball possession in the opening two minutes.
The ball is not really moving across the deck due to the condition of the pitch, but you sense that Atletico are better equipped for a tough, physical match. The visitors have a half-chance when Saul delivers onto the head of Vietto, but his effort was always moving over Alvarez's crossbar.
Orellana finds space in a wide position before delivering towards the back post, but Luis receives a shout from his goalkeeper and the ball goes behind. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this match. The conditions really are terrible out there!
CHANCE! A super pass from Koke sends Griezmann behind the Celta defence, but the Frenchman is just knocked off balance at the final moment and Alvarez manages to claim!
Good pressure from the home side as the ball is worked into Orellana, who attempts to deliver towards Aspas, but Juanfran is on hand to make the block for the first corner of the match. The set piece is delivered right under Oblak's crossbar, but the stopper punches clear of his area.
Half-chance for Atletico as a deep free kick from Gabi is met by the head of Godin, but his effort never had enough power to struggle Alvarez. Still goalless with 11 minutes on the clock here.
Radoja sends a cross into the Atletico box, but Oblak is on hand to claim. Moments later, the visitors break down the other end, but Alvarez clears down the field. Griezmann is almost playing as a centre-forward for the visitors at the moment, with Vietto the player moving to a wide area.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of clear chances in the opening 15 minutes, but both teams are committing plenty of players in the final third. Somewhat surprisingly, the ball has not been in the air too much, despite the state of the pitch. Orellana has been Celta's biggest threat thus far in Vigo.
There have been a couple of late challenges from both teams in the last few minutes, but the referee has not issued a card thus far. Simeone has something to say on the touchline and the official has a word with the Atletico boss, who is no stranger to being sent into the stands!
Wass has started to see more of the ball for Celta and the Dane wins a free kick after evading Saul's initial challenge. Chance for the home team to deliver into the Atletico box here...
... Wass indeed delivers, but Godin is on hand to make a super defensive header.
I am not sure of the stats, but I would like to know whether there is a centre-back in Europe that has won more defensive headers than Godin over the last 2/3 seasons. The Uruguay international is just such a dominant force in the air and he needs to be as Celta start to increase the pressure.
CHANCE! First sight of goal for the home side as Orellana delivers onto the head of Aspas, but his effort, under pressure from Luis, is just wide of the post. Good work there!
Griezmann's pace threatens to take him away from the Celta defence, but Gomez manages to put a foot on the ball and force the Frenchman off-track. Eventually Gimenez tries his luck for Atletico, but his effort was always flying wide of the post. Still goalless with 24 minutes played here.
Godin versus Orellana is an interesting battle that is bubbling nicely here!
Still no yellow cards in this match and Pablo Hernandez is fortunate to get away with a late challenge on Gabi. The referee is being sensitive to the nature of the conditions here.
Saul has been nice and bright for Atletico this evening and the Spaniard again makes it to the by-line, but his cross is blocked. Griezmann then combines with Vietto, but his strike is straight at Cabral. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and it has been a very even game here.
Godin gets away with another late challenge, but the first yellow card must be on its way. I would be astounded if there was not a single booking in the opening 45 minutes of this match.
Koke attempts to bend one from outside the Celta box, but his effort was always wide.
Atletico are doing their best to play some football in the final third of the field, but Celta are closing the space very well and the ball is not really rolling due to the condition of the pitch.
CHANCE! Easily the best chance of the match as Griezmann combines with Koke in the final third before striking towards goal, but his effort was always too high. Super football!
The home supporters are getting more and more frustrated with the referee as a couple of decisions go the way of Atletico in quick succession. We have not seen too much from Celta as an attacking threat and it is clear to see just how much they miss the guile and quality of Nolito.
BOOKING! Luis (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Hernandez.
Saul's energy has been a key feature of this first period and the Atletico midfielder has a shot blocked before delivering into the box - Koke eventually fires at the goalkeeper, but Celta are down the other end almost immediately, with Orellana firing into the arms of the waiting Oblak.
It took a little while for this first period to get going, but Atletico are looking increasingly threatening in the final third, with Saul, Griezmann and Koke all causing Celta problems here.
Atletico are very much in control at the moment and in truth, Celta have been really poor in the final third this evening. Vietto again slips the Celta defence before cutting the ball back to Koke, but the former Villarreal forward had just moved offside. Not long left in this first period.
Atletico continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field.
HALF-TIME: Celta 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Atletico have been much the better side and indeed had the better chances, but Griezmann fired their best opportunity over the crossbar after linking with Koke. Celta's main threat has come from Orellana in wide positions, but the home side have thus far struggled in the final third of the field.
STATS! Celta have just about shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had three attempts - one of which was on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have had six attempts, but not yet hit the target. There have been some tasty challenges - just the one booking though, Luis for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Guidetti scored twice for Celta in the Copa del Rey during the week and the Swedish international is an option for Berizzo in the second period, while Madinda is also on the bench for the home team. As for Atletico, Simeone has a whole host of attacking options in his squad tonight, with the likes of Correa, Carrasco, Martinez and Fernando Torres all capable of influencing the match from the bench.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a winner in Vigo? The rain continues to fall as Atletico get the second half underway...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will look to their bench if the score remains 0-0 for the next 15, 20 minutes of this match. You do get the feeling that one goal might well be enough to win this one.
The rain is starting to ease a bit, but the damage has been done to the pitch. Atletico ended the first period on the front foot and they have been the better team since the restart. In truth, Celta seem to be lacking ideas in the final third of the field. Nolito is such a big miss for this team.
GOAL! Celta 0-1 Atletico (Griezmann)
Atletico make the breakthrough in the 49th minute as Griezmann slides a super pass into Vietto, who returns the favour and the Frenchman just cannot miss from close range. Some move!
Celta need something from somewhere, but Atletico have been the dominant team tonight and as it stands, they are heading back to the top of the table. The contest is starting to open up now.
Bongonda flashes a dangerous cross into the Atletico box, but Oblak gets a strong hand to the ball and it bounces outside of the box. Atletico, meanwhile, are preparing a change here...
... ATLETICO SUB! Carrasco replaces Augusto.
Celta just cannot seem to get hold of the ball at the moment and another rash challenge hands Atletico a free kick in a dangerous position. It is Koke that delivers into the Celta box, but Wass is on hand to make the clearance. Still more than 30 minutes of this fascinating match to play here.
You sense it would be curtains for Celta if Atletico managed to score a second goal here. The visitors have only conceded eight league goals all season and would not be about to concede two or three here - I am sure of that. Possession football for the capital side at the moment.
Pretty ambitious from the home side as Orellana finds Wass outside the Atletico box and the Dane attempts a first-time effort. Wass's strike is wide of the post, however, and Oblak has the ball.
Saul, who is such an impressive young player, has dropped into a defensive midfield position following the departure of Augusto. The Spaniard has also previously played centre-back while on loan at Rayo Vallecano and he has already shown his talents going forward in this match.
Carrasco fires one over the crossbar as Atletico break once again.
BOOKING! Hernandez (Celta) is booked for a late foul on Godin.
Celta have managed to enjoy a period of possession in the last few minutes, but they are not really going anywhere with it and Atletico are so threatening with their pace on the break.
It has not really happened for Aspas this evening and another cross from the Celta forward is headed clear by Godin. In fairness to the home supporters, they are doing their best to raise their team, but Atletico have been comfortable for long spells of this match, especially in this half.
BOOKING! Radoja (Celta) is booked for a late challenge on Gabi.
The rain eased a little early in the second period, but it is now thrashing down once again, blowing across the pitch. Atletico will not mind, however, as we approach the final stages here.
Little under 20 minutes of football remaining and Atletico are in control without really threatening to score a second here. You sense that there might be something in this game for Celta, but they need to make a change in the final third. Guidetti is an obvious option from the bench here.
Celta have a free kick in an advanced position as Bongonda is felled by Saul...
... Wass takes the free kick, but his effort is straight into the wall.
CELTA SUB! Guidetti replaces Radoja.
ATLETICO SUB! Martinez replaces Vietto.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Celta have started to commit more players forward and they now have another body in the final third of the field. Guidetti is different to Aspas and the Swede's power might cause Atletico problems late on.
Atletico have the chance to counter with Carrasco and then Martinez, but the latter loses control of the ball, which sums up his time in Spain thus far. The Colombian has been a disappointment!
GOAL! Celta 0-2 Atletico (Carrasco)
Atletico have their second of the match in the 80th minute as Carrasco shows wonderful feet outside the box before firing his effort into the top corner. It is a lovely effort from the Belgian!
CELTA SUB! Hernandez is replaced by B.Fernandez.
ATLETICO SUB! Griezmann is replaced by Jesus Gamez.
Little over five minutes of this match remaining and Atletico are indeed heading for the top of La Liga, having lost that position to Barcelona on Saturday. They deserve to win this match.
CELTA SUB! Bongonda is replaced by Sene.
Atletico have the chance to threaten from a free kick in a dangerous position...
... SAVE! Alvarez gets down low to keep out Koke's deflected effort.
Three minutes to be played at the end of the 90.
Atletico continue to drive froward and Carrasco looks to find Martinez at the far post, but his cross is just too long, before Guidetti's power wins a corner down the other end. Celta's quality has been lacking all night, however, and the danger is cleared once again. Not long left here.
FULL-TIME: Celta 0-2 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Atletico running out 2-0 winners at Celta. The result has seen Atletico return to the top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona, while Celta remain fifth and still eight points off the top four. Thanks for joining us, until next time!
