Unbeaten Eibar welcomed Atletico Madrid to the Ipurua in Saturday evening's La Liga clash.
Atletico had the better of the first period, but neither side could make the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes.
By the 61st minute, Atletico boss Diego Simeone had made all three of his changes and it was the last of those, Angel Correa, that found the back of the net less than one minute after entering.
Correa then turned provider for Fernando Torres in the 78th minute as the visitors returned to winning ways in the league.
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 Ipurua as in-form Eibar welcome Atletico Madrid. We might only be three games in, but Eibar are actually above Atletico in the table at this stage of the season having made an unbeaten start. It is another important game for the visitors, who will be looking to bounce back from a home defeat to Barcelona last weekend.
Eibar scored in both of their league meetings with Atletico last season, but were beaten 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon in August 2014, before losing 3-1 at home in January. Those fixtures were the first time that the two teams had met in the league since the 2001-02 season, when Atletico also recorded two wins in the Segunda Division. That said, the season before, Eibar beat Atletico 2-1 in this very stadium.
Eibar actually ended last season in 18th position in the La Liga table, but Elche's financial problems meant that they were ultimately sent down and Eibar were re-instated to Spain's top flight. So instead of preparing for a Segunda Division campaign, Eibar have been given a second chance in La Liga and their early-season form and indeed performances have been of a very high level.
The home side's supporters, however, will not be getting carried away. Last season, Eibar got their season underway with a home win against Real Sociedad and their form in the first half of the campaign kept them in a safe mid-table position. They really fell apart in the second half of the campaign, but a win and a draw in their final two games was enough to lift them above Almeria into 18th position and indeed secure a spot back in La Liga following Elche's demotion. Very lucky!
Eibar are also under new management this season, with Jose Luis Mendilibar replacing Gaizka Garitano, who left his position at the end of the 2014-15 campaign. It has been an impressive start under the new coaching staff, with seven points from their three league games this season leaving them fifth.
Eibar opened their new La Liga season with an impressive 3-1 win at Granada, before beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home in their next match. A goalless draw then followed against Malaga, which has made them the first Basque side to stay undefeated after three games since Bilbao in the 2009-10 campaign. It is still expected to be a tough season, but their start has been very strong indeed.
TEAMS:
EIBAR: To follow
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Tiago, Koke, Gabi; Vietto, Martinez, Griezmann
Still no team news from the home cap thus far - get a move on Eibar. Atletico though welcome Filipe Luis back into the team following injury. The left-back missed their trip to Galatasaray during the week, but has returned to the fold here. It is the usual midfield three, while Luciano Vietto and Jackson Martinez are selected alongside the excellent Antoine Griezmann in attack. The likes of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Angel Correa, however, are only on the bench for the visitors.
In terms of what is ahead for Eibar, they will travel to Levante in their next league match on Wednesday, before hosting in-form Celta Vigo next weekend. They then travel to Las Palmas before the international break in what is a real six-pointer, even at this stage of the campaign. A couple more victories over the next month would certainly give the supporters reason to be optimistic.
TEAMS:
EIBAR: Riesgo; Capa, Dos Santos, Ramis, Luna; Keko, Escalante, Gonzalez, Garcia, Berjon; Enrich
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Tiago, Koke, Gabi; Vietto, Martinez, Griezmann
So there we have it - finally some confirmed team news from Eibar! It appears that the hosts will line up in a 4-5-1 formation this evening, with Spaniard Sergi Enrich leading the line. Saul Berjon also starts, but it appears that the forward will operate in a wide midfield role. On-loan Catania midfielder Gonzalo Escalante and 23-year-old 'Keko' are also selected in the XI. Plenty of forward-thinking players!
As for Atletico, they will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the league last time out. Fernando Torres handed the capital outfit the lead in Madrid, but goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi ensured that Luis Enrique's side would claim all the points. As a result, Atletico have taken six points from their three games, having opened with wins over Las Palmas and Sevilla.
There is no question that Diego Simeone will take heart from his side's last away game in the league, which brought an impressive 3-0 victory at Sevilla. Like Eibar, Atletico also have some very important games ahead. After this one, they will host Getafe, before travelling to Villarreal next weekend. They will then welcome Benfica in the Champions League, before hosting Real Madrid in the league.
Talking of the Champions League, Atletico will enter this game off the back of a very impressive 2-0 win against Galatasaray in their Group C opener on Tuesday. It will once again be a difficult task to balance Europe and domestic matters this season, but by the looks of Atletico's summer business, they will have no problems making a challenge on all fronts this season. Little over 20 minutes until kickoff here!
Having won the La Liga title in the 2013-14 campaign, last season will have to go down as a slight disappointment for Atletico. Simeone's side still finished third in the table, but they were some 16 points behind the leaders Barcelona and 14 points off second-place Real Madrid. What's more, they only finished one point ahead of fourth-place Valencia and two ahead of Sevilla, who finished fifth.
Atletico's away form in La Liga was quite mixed last season – dropping points in 10 of their 19 matches. That said, the capital side are currently nine games unbeaten away from home in the league, which is their second best run under Simeone. If they are to challenge for the title once again, these are the type of fixtures where they simply cannot afford to be dropping points, that is for sure.
Much of Atletico's success this season could depend on the form of Antoine Griezmann, who has made an excellent start to the new campaign. He scored twice against Galatasaray on Tuesday and also netted the winner against Las Palmas in their league opener. Those strikes have followed on from his 25 goals in 54 games during his debut season last term. Right, just about time for my pre-match prediction.
PREDICTION! I am expecting this to be a tricky game for Atletico inside a small and noisy stadium. Eibar will enter the match full of confidence following their strong start to the season, but I just see Atletico having a little bit too much on the night. I am predicting a tight 2-1 away win tonight.
Here we go then - both sets of players are in the tunnel as we close on kickoff on this warm night in Spain. Following the completion of the handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the first 45 minutes underway. This has all the makings of an open and entertaining clash.
KICK OFF! It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The home supporters are up for this game and why on earth not! There seem to be an unholy amount of flags in the stands - more flags than people! The visitors get the first period underway...
... Atletico have taken control of the ball possession in the opening moments here, with Koke and Gabi already looking for space between the lines. Eibar will not be afraid to get forward, however, with Ander Capa and Antonio Luna not exactly the two most defensive full-backs you will find!
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the opening four minutes, with both teams just attempting to settle. Eibar do manage to force the ball into the Atletico box, but Godin is quickly across to make a really smart challenge. The pitch is in excellent condition tonight.
Just a few signs that Vietto and Martinez are starting to settle in the final third, but it has been a frantic opening six minutes. Neither side has really had a sustained period of possession thus far.
Atletico have not lost back-to-back league games since 2012, but that is something that could occur this evening. It is all a bit sloppy at the moment as both teams continue to relinquish possession in the final third of the field. You sense that the first goal - if there is one - will be vital.
Vietto has the game's first attempt on target, but it is a comfortable save for Riesgo.
There was a good atmosphere inside the stadium when the two teams took to the field, but that has dropped in the past few minutes, which is a direct reflection of matters on the pitch. Not much to report!
Capa, who is playing right-back for the hosts tonight, has been more than prepared to break down the right in the early stages here, but the number seven's crossing has been a bit disappointing thus far. Luna has also been involved down the left, but it has been a similar story in terms of crossing.
Half-chance for Atletico as Gimenez makes contact on the first corner of the night, but his header is blocked en route to goal. It looked to be heading wide, but Dos Santos certainly was not to know.
Eibar are roared forward by their supporters as Luna breaks down the left before delivering a cross towards Keko, but Luis just does enough to clear for a throw. The home side pass and probe in the period that follows, but are eventually forced back. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock here.
Jackson Martinez has not had much change out of Eibar's two centre-backs thus far, with the striker struggling to make his presence known here. The home side a shooting chance as Capa arrives at the edge of the Atletico box, but Godin is quickly on the scene to make a fine block.
SAVE! Easily the best chance of the match thus far as Martinez meets a loose ball inside the Eibar box, but his low strike is brilliantly saved by Riesgo. Super goalkeeping from the Spaniard there!
Luna continues to impress for the home side as he drives down the left before delivering towards Enrich, but Oblak is out to claim. This match is just starting to warm up following a slow opening as Saul Berjon tests the Atletico goalkeeper with a strike from distance. This is more like it!
CHANCE! Another chance for the away side as Griezmann lifts a sensational cross into Jackson, but his effort actually turns into a cross for Vietto, who can only hit the side netting from a wide angle!
Atletico are seemingly warming to their task at the moment as they continue to deliver from wide areas and Martinez is causing problems with his movement and presence inside the penalty box.
Another opportunity for the away side as Griezmann sets up Martinez, who strikes towards goal, but Dos Santos is across to make it difficult for the forward. Still goalless with 28 minutes played.
BOOKING! Dani Garcia (Eibar) is booked for a heavy challenge on Gabi.
Gabi limps away from the Garcia challenge and does not look entirely comfortable - they might be one to watch. There are some very tasty tackles occurring at the moment as Martinez jumps into one with Garcia, who needs to be careful following that booking. This is just starting to spice up.
Eibar continue to commit their two full-backs forward, but it is leaving space on both wings, which Griezmann is looking to exploit. The Frenchman delivers a super cross towards Martinez, but the striker just cannot make contact. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining here in Eibar.
Eibar are doing a lot of running off the ball at the moment and you wonder how much it is taking out of their legs. Atletico continue to pass and probe in the final third, but aside from Griezmann, no-one has been able to pick that ball thus far. Vietto is the latest to have an attempt blocked for Atletico.
The overall quality of the set pieces have been disappointing this evening, with Koke's the latest to deliver straight into the arms of the Eibar goalkeeper. Atletico looked like they were taking control of this match at the mid-point of the half, but they have not really kicked on. Eibar are quite comfortable.
Eibar's final pass just has not been good enough in this first period. Luna does excellently to drive forward and work space for Saul Berjon, but a sloppy return ball gives possession back to Atletico.
Vietto heads straight into the arms of Riesgo as the score remains goalless here.
Eibar's Mendilibar looks fairly calm on the bench at the moment, but the same cannot be said for Simeone, who is clearly frustrated. The visitors have been far from their best thus far tonight.
Eibar are fairly comfortable at the moment as Atletico continue to struggle in the final third. It has the pace of a pre-season friendly at the moment and that is being kind. Griezmann is the one player that looks capable of turning the tide, but his latest effort was always dipping wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Eibar 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. In truth, it has not been the most inspiring of first 45 minutes. Atletico have looked the most likely to open the scoring, with Martinez having one excellent chance, but we are goalless at the interval.
STATISTICS! Atletico have shaded the possession with 59%, while they have had nine attempts - three of which have been on target. As for Eibar, they have managed just one attempt and it did not trouble Oblak. Dani Garcia (Eibar) is the only name in the book following a heavy challenge on Gabi.
BENCH WATCH! Eibar do not exactly have a whole host of attacking options on their bench this evening, but both Arruabarrena and Baston are capable of making a difference. As for Atletico, they have the likes of Saul Niguez, Correa, Carrasco and both Oliver and Fernando Torres in reserve.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a breakthrough at the Ipurua? The hosts get the second 45 minutes underway here...
... ATLETICO SUB! Atletico have made a change at the interval, with Fernando Torres replacing Jackson Martinez, which is a surprise for me if that is tactical. Little harsh on Martinez!
ATLETICO SUB! Excuse me, two changes at the interval. Oliver Torres has also replaced Vietto.
It has been a bright start to the second period from both teams, with Griezmann already threatening for the away side and Keko showing good pace for Eibar. The latter wants a free kick just outside the box after going down under a heavy challenge, but the referee is not interested.
SAVE! Excellent goalkeeping from Riesgo as the Eibar stopper saves a Luis effort which had taken a wicked deflection off Dos Santos en route to goal. It is a really smart save from the Spaniard!
You sense that one goal would be enough to claim all the points this evening, but Eibar are just as likely to win it as the visitors. It is so delicately poised with 52 minutes on the clock here.
It is super work from Keko as the Spaniard breaks into the Atletico half before feeding a pass into Berjon, who curls one towards the bottom corner, but his first effort is blocked, before the attacker fires wide at the second time of asking. Atletico have been sloppy in possession of the ball here.
Eibar again threaten as Enrich finds time and space outside the Atletico box, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless with little over 35 minutes of action remaining.
If Atletico are to challenge for the La Liga title this season then these are the type of games that they need to be winning, of that there is no doubt. There is plenty happening in terms of late challenges at the moment as Escalante goes down following a coming-together with Tiago.
It is worth remembering that Eibar are actually ahead of Atletico in the table as it stands due to their unbeaten start to the season. A point would be seen as an excellent result for the hosts tonight, but only victory will do for Atletico, who only have one permitted change remaining here.
Tiago picks out Torres with a super pass, but the striker had just moved into an offside area.
ATLETICO SUB! Angel Correa replaces Koke in Atletico's final change.
GOAL! Eibar 0-1 Atletico (Correa)
Oh my word what an entrance! Correa has only just entered the field, but he has sent Atletico ahead here! Fernando Torres did excellently to control a high ball inside the box before feeding Correa, who dropped his shoulder and beat the goalkeeper from close range. Incredible!
Suddenly Atletico are full of beans here as they pass and probe in the final third. It is harsh on Eibar, but their task has now become much harder. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Oliver Torres fires wide of the Eibar goal following a smart piece of skill outside the box.
BOOKING! Escalante (Eibar) is booked for a pull on Tiago.
BOOKING! Correa (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
CHANCE! Just about Eibar's best chance of the second period as Berjon chests a high ball down to Enrich, who lets fly from just outside the box, but Oblak is down to make a very smart save.
The attendance has been confirmed at 5,126 this evening, which is incredible for a game in the top flight of Spanish football. The stadium only holds 7,000, which again, is incredible.
EIBAR SUBS! Saul Berjon and Adrian are replaced by Verdi and Baston.
It has been a decent spell for the home side since they conceded, but in truth, clear chances have been very hard to find for Eibar. Little over 15 minutes of this second period remaining here.
Half-chance for the home side as Garcia finds space outside the box, but his long-range strike was always moving wide of the post. Not an awful lot happening in the Atletico attack at the moment, but they have such pace and movement on the counter attack. Still 1-0 to the away side in Eibar.
GOAL! Eibar 0-2 Atletico (Fernando Torres)
Game, set and match. Atletico score their second in the 77th minute as Correa slides a super pass into Fernando Torres and the Spaniard expertly finishes from a wide angle. Excellent work!
Well, Simeone made a big call in terms of changes, but they have all paid off. Fernando Torres, Oliver Torres and Correa have all contributed to this strong second-half performance from Atleti.
Correa, who has already been booked, is a touch fortunate to escape another yellow card following a high challenge on Keko, which would have spoiled his evening! Eibar are in a spot of bother now.
EIBAR SUB! Arruabarrena replaces Escalante.
Atletico are so comfortable at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Eibar were well in this game for long spells, but they are heading for defeat this evening.
Eibar have a problem here as Luna calls for a stretcher after pulling up...
... the full-back manages to walk off the pitch, but it seems unlikely that he will continue.
Eibar will indeed see out the remaining minutes with 10 men following Luna's injury.
CLOSE! A terrible mix-up between Juanfran and Oblak almost allows the home side back into the game, but the full-back chases his own heavy header and manages to clear - how bizarre!
The fourth official indicates that we will play three extra minutes.
Fernando Torres again causes problems when he breaks into the Eibar box before crossing towards Correa, but Ramis manages to clear and indeed gain a free kick. Fernando has been excellent!
FULL-TIME: Eibar 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 Eibar. The result has moved Diego Simeone's side into second spot in the table, while Eibar have dropped one position to sixth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
