Celta Vigo welcomed Atletico Madrid to the Estadio de Balaidos on Wednesday knowing that three points would move them out of the relegation zone in La Liga.
Both sides had half-chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough as the scores remained level at the interval.
Atletico were ahead early in the second half when Diego Costa headed a Koke corner into the back of the net, before Juanfran scored their second with a powerful effort after 66 minutes.
Celta had one back late on courtesy of Augusto Fernandez, but Radamel Falcao made sure of the points moments later.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! With Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid contesting the Copa del Rey final next Friday, each is in action this evening as we enter the latter part of the league season. Atletico are still hopeful of finishing in second position, but it is Celta that are in desperate need of the points this evening as they attempt to remain in the division.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have shaded it with two wins from the last five matches, with Celta winning once and the other two ending in a draw. However, as mentioned, the reverse fixture earlier in the season, which ended in a 1-0 Atletico win, was the only league meeting between the two sides in the past six years.
Celta have certainly given themselves a fighting chance in recent weeks with seven points from their last three matches, but with those around them also picking up points, it is almost certain to go down to the wire. Three points this evening would indeed move Celta out of the relegation zone and into 16th position.
Celta have been strong on their own patch this season for a team in the relegation zone with six wins, six draws and five defeats from their 17 matches. It is lucky that their form in Vigo has been so strong, as they currently boast the worst away record in the league, having taken just seven points from 17 matches on the road.
Atletico, meanwhile, remain on course for the top three despite a wobble in recent weeks. It is difficult to be anything but positive about their season, which has been extremely successful. As it stands they are eight points behind second-placed Real Madrid with four matches remaining. Bar a minor miracle, they will not finish above their rivals.
Diego Simeone’s side have been fairly strong on their travels this season with seven wins from their 17 matches, which is the most outside the top two in Spain. However, five of their seven league defeats have come on their travels. Perhaps not too surprisingly, their home form has been strong with 14 wins from 17 games.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Varas; Tunez, Lago, Johny, Oubina; Fernandez, Insa, Vila, Lopez; Krohn-Dehli, Aspas
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Adrian, Falcao, Costa
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Celta side this evening with Iago Aspas once more leading the line. There is no place for Mario Bermejo, however, with Michael Krohn-Dehli preferred in attack. Atletico, meanwhile, recall Diego Costa in place of Cristian Rodriguez, but Adra Turan has been left on the bench.
As it stands, Atletico currently boast the best defensive record in the division having conceded just 27 goals, while they have scored 58 times, the fourth best record in the league. Celta meanwhile, have conceded 48 times, but have struggled down the other end with just 33 goals to their name.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side have been particularly impressive in recent weeks, therefore I am going to back a score draw this evening. Be sure to remain with us following this match with Real Madrid hosting Malaga in the late start.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No Bermejo or Orellana for the home side, with top scorer Aspas paired with Danish international Krohn-Dehli. Atletico, meanwhile, recall Costa, with the Brazilian selected alongside Adrian Lopez and Radamel Falcao. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Vigo.
It must be said that there is a truly sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. It is a must-win for Celta that is for certain. Atletico are in need of the points, but it is almost certain that they will not be able to finish higher than third, which is all but guaranteed. The first goal could be all-important at the Estadio de Balaidos.
Bright start from the away side as Gabi feeds Costa outside the box, but Lago is across to fell the Brazilian striker. The resulting free kick is whipped in by Koke, but Tunez is first on the scene to clear. Miranda comes close with a header moments later, but the linesman has his flag raised. Bright opening four minutes to proceedings as the volume continues to rise inside the stadium.
First real involvement for Aspas as the Celta striker collects a pass from Insa before driving to the edge of the box, but Miranda is across to make the challenge. Miranda attempts to find Adrian down the other end moments later, but the final pass is just short. End-to-end football with six minutes on the clock, but neither side has threatened to open the scoring thus far.
Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments with Mario Suarez and Gabi seeing plenty of the ball in midfield, but the capital outfit are in no rush to force the issue. Plenty of attacking talent on display for Atletico this evening. You just get the feeling that Adrian needs a successful end to the season, he has struggled to find his feet thus far.
It's good work from Adrian as the Spaniard drives down the left before finding Luis, who delivers a low cross into the box, but Tunez is on hand to make the clearance. Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to boss this match as a deep free kick comes into the Celta box from Koke, but once more the danger is cleared. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the away side as Adrian finds Costa in the box, but the Brazilian fires his effort wide of the post. That said, the linesman had raised his flag, it would not have counted. Not too much from the home side in the last few moments with Aspas forced to chase down a number of lost causes. However, the supporters continue to raise the volume inside the stadium.
Atletico continue to force it from left to right with Adrian and Costa both switching sides at each opportunity. Falcao does have a strike from outside the box, but it was always flashing wide of the post. Diego Simeone's side are playing with freedom this evening, whereas Celta look ever so tense. It is so important that they remain in the game in this first period.
Aspas just needs to keep his head here as he once more hits the deck under a challenge from Miranda, but the referee is simply not interested. The Spanish striker is not best pleased with the official, but that is not going to change his mind. Falcao finds Suarez in the box down the other end, but Tunez is across to clear. Enthralling opening 16 minutes to this tie in Vigo.
It's better from the home side as they force an extended period of pressure around the edge of the Atletico defence, but they are not the only team to struggle to break this back four down this season. You have to credit the home supporters for the atmosphere inside the stadium, but there is almost a sense of frustration as the decisions continue to go against them.
CHANCE! First real opportunity for the home side as Krohn-Dehli strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Courtois just manages to beat the ball away from danger. That has certainly livened the crowd inside the stadium. Fernandez picks up the loose ball moments later, but his reverse pass to Aspas finds the Spaniard in an offside position.
It's really good work from Aspas as the Celta striker collects possession outside the box before threading a pass towards Krohn-Dehli, but the Dane just cannot find a cross back into the area. Not too much from the away side in an attacking sense in the last few moments, however, with Celta flooding the midfield. Still no goals with 23 minutes on the clock.
Scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides diving into dangerous challenges, but the referee is refusing to become involved, which is creating a high-tempo affair. I am not complaining, but the home supporters feel that they are getting the rough end of the deal. Krohn-Dehli attempts to force it moments later, but Miranda is across to clear.
The referee has started to issue a couple of cards in the last few moments with Mario Suarez joining Alex Lopez in the book. The only thing missing from the opening 27 minutes has been a goal, it has been wonderful entertainment in Vigo. However, Celta have struggled to score goals this season, while Atletico have the best defensive record in the division.
Atletico continue to play the more incisive football in the middle of the pitch with Costa and Adrian both coming deep to join the midfield, but Celta have been disciplined thus far. You just get the feeling that this one could be decided by the odd goal. Neither has been too impressive in the final third thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. Aspas attempts to force the issue as he darts past Miranda before moving to the edge of the Atletico box, but Godin is across to clear. Still no real chances for either side in the opening 32 minutes of football.
It's wonderful work from Suarez as the Atletico midfielder bursts through the heart of the Celta midfield before attempting to find Falcao, but Tunez just fells the Spaniard in the process. Adrian has a half-chance moments later, but the striker can only clip wide after good work from Falcao. He just has to perform better in those areas.
The home supporters continue to let their frustrations known as another free kick is awarded to Atletico outside the box. The resulting set piece is whipped into the area by Koke, but Costa can only head wide of the target. The opportunities are just starting to fall for the away side, but the score remains goalless with 36 minutes on the clock.
It is yellow card central at the moment as Godin becomes the latest to enter the book. It has been a high-tempo match, but you cannot say that there has been a dangerous challenge in this first period. Celta attempt to force the issue with a number of high balls into the box, but Atletico continue to clear. A free kick arrives moments later, but Lopez's effort is straight into the wall.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Fernandez combines with Aspas before driving a low cross into the box, but Miranda is across to clear. Falcao finds Costa down the other end moments later, but Tunez just manages to hook clear. It is all happening at the moment with both teams committing numbers to each attack, but the scores remain goalless.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Oubina collects a loose ball in the box before striking towards goal, but somehow Miranda is across to make a block. That is as close as either side have come to opening the scoring this evening. When you are in the relegation zone, those chances simply have to be put away.
End-to-end football in the latter stages of the match with both players committing numbers to each attack, but neither can find that elusive final pass. Meanwhile, the challenges continue to fly in as the high tempo remains. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
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. Atletico certainly started the match the better, but Celta have created the better opportunities in the latter stages of the half. Neither manager will be too disappointed with their team at this stage of the match.
STATISTICS: The away side have shaded the possession with 51%, while they have managed two attempts to Celta's one. It has also been yellow card central thus far with the referee taking five names in the first half, three for Celta and two for Atletico. That said, it has not been that kind of match.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Bermejo, Orellana and Enrique de Lucas. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Turan, Rodriguez and Oliver Torres in reserve. I suspect that changes will be made in the early stages of the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. As it stands, Celta would move into 18th position, while Atletico would remain third. Right, the away side get the half underway.
Excuse me, there indeed a change at the interval for the away side with Tiago replacing Suarez, who had been booked in the first period. You just get the feeling that both sets of players need to be careful in this half with the referee keen to issue a card. A red card would change the entire feel of this match.
GOAL! Celta 0-1 Atletico (Costa)
Atletico lead! It's poor marking from the home side as Costa is allowed to ghost into the box before thumping a header into the back of the net. That is a big blow to Celta at this stage of the match. Can they respond?
Bright work from Falcao as the Colombian finds Koke down the right before meeting the cross from the Spaniard, but his header was always moving wide of the post. A corner does follow moments later, but Lago rises in the box to clear. It is so important that Celta remain within one goal of their opponents.
Celta attempt to respond as Aspas combines with Krohn-Dehli before driving to the edge of the box, but Miranda steps across to make the challenge. Atletico, in my opinion, are the hardest team in Spain to play against after they have taken the lead. Their defence is just so tight and compact. Another goal for Atletico and this one is over.
Celta continue to pass and probe outside the Atletico box with Fernandez and Insa both joining the attack, but they just cannot find a way through this stubborn defence. Johny attempts to force the issue down the right moments later, but his cross is headed at Courtois from Aspas.
Costa thinks he is in again for the away side as he collects a pass from Falcao, but the offside flag was raised. There is no question that Adrian has allowed Costa more freedom this evening. Another half-chance comes for Atletico moments later, but Varas just manages to beat Falcao to the ball.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for Atletico as Falcao drives a low cross into the box, but Tunez just manages to turn wide of the post when it appeared as if it would drop into the back of the net. Meanwhile, Celta make their first change of the match as Orellana replaces Lopez, who was booked in the first period. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining as Krohn-Dehli heads wide from close range.
End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides committing players to each attack. You worry for the home side as they continue to launch their full-backs into the Atletico half. Falcao once more drives a low cross into the box, but Varas manages to clear under pressure from Costa. It does feel as if another goal is coming, which would be decisive.
The referee continues to put his stamp on the match as he books Gabi for a late challenge on Vila. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but I would be astounded if this ended with just the one goal. Both managers have two changes remaining if they should wish to alter proceedings.
Another half-chance for Costa as Falcao finds his strike partner in the box, but the Brazilian can only strike his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Celta are down the other end moments later as Aspas fires a low cross into the box, but Courtois is out to clear with a firm punch. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for Costa as the Brazilian drives into the box before attempting to square for Falcao, but Tunez is across to clear from under his own crossbar. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Koke, but Varas comes through a host of traffic to clear the danger.
Second change of the match for the home side as Bermejo replaces Johny. Off comes a right-back and on comes a striker. No real choice for Abel Resino. They have to have a go in the final 20 minutes of this match. However, it is Atletico that continue to look the most likely.
GOAL! Celta 0-2 Atletico (Juanfran)
Atletico have their second of the match as Juanfran collects possession outside the box before firing an effort into the bottom corner. That is a harsh blow for Celta. It is difficult to see them coming back from 2-0 behind.
Atletico make their second change of the match as Costa is replaced by Turan, who has recently returned from injury. It could get worse for the home side in the latter stages of the match as they continue to commit players forward, which is leaving gaps in their defence.
It's all one-way traffic at the moment as the away side continue to utterly dominate possession. They are the worst team to play against in this position. It has been a really bright display from Adrian this evening, whose movement has allowed the likes of Falcao and Costa more space in the final third.
Celta just need to be careful here as they continue to dive into dangerous challenges, which is not clever with this referee, who has been keen to show a card this evening. A half-chance arrives for Celta from a Aspas free kick, but the Spaniard can only fire it straight into the arms of Courtois.
In fairness to Celta, you cannot fault their work-rate this evening as they continue to close down each pass from Atletico. Unfortunately, they have come up against a team that has returned to their best form this evening. Celta still have one change remaining if Resino should wish to introduce fresh legs.
Atletico make their third change of the match as Rodriguez enters the field in place of Koke, who delivery from set pieces has been wonderful this evening. Right, little over 10 minutes for Celta to score three times if they wish to move out of the relegation zone. Stranger things have happened.
Again it's good work from Falcao as the Colombian collects possession outside the box before finding Gabi, but his effort is over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Celta do indeed make their third change as De Lucas replaces Bermejo, who entered the field as a second-half sub. It appears that the Spaniard picked up a knock in a challenge with Miranda.
Varas is almost caught short by the away side as the Celta goalkeeper comes out to meet Falcao, but the Colombian rounds the stopper. Luckily, the striker just moved too wide of the post. Little over five minutes of football remaining. Atletico are just about as comfortable as you could imagine at this stage of the match.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Atletico comfortable in possession of the ball. Celta do attempt to force the issue as Aspas drives a low cross into the box, but Courtois was always in control. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Real Madrid against Malaga.
GOAL! Celta 1-2 Atletico (Fernandez)
Celta score! It's a horror mistake from Courtois as the Atletico stopper allows a Fernandez strike to slip through his fingers, but the home supporters do not mind. Game on in Vigo!
GOAL! Celta 1-3 Atletico (Falcao)
There was always a chance that Atletico would go straight down the other end and score, which indeed has happened. Clinical finish from the Colombian as he collects a loose ball in the box before thumping an effort into the back of the net.
Well, any brief hope that the home side had has now disappeared. Almost another for Falcao moments later as the striker collects a pass from Gabi, but Varas is out to make the save. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in Vigo.
Celta continue to push forward in the latter stages, but it does appear that their recent three-match unbeaten run will come to an end. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes, we are indeed into the second of those.
POST! Wonderful chance for Turan to add Atletico's fourth in the latter stages, but his effort smashes off the post from close range. Celta have given up here.
FULL-TIME: Celta 1-3 Atletico
So there we have it. Four goals come in the second period as Atletico record a 3-1 win over Celta, who remain in the bottom three. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Madrid against Malaga. Until then!
