Atletico Madrid travelled to Granada on Thursday looking to move one point behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Granada were the better side for much of the first period, but they entered the interval behind courtesy of a penalty from Atletico forward Diego Costa.
Another penalty arrived for Atletico in the second half, with David Villa this time finding the back of the net. Odion Ighalo scored late on for Granada, but it was a case of too little too late.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Thursday’s La Liga action gets underway from the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes as Granada welcome highly-flying Atletico Madrid. As mentioned, the home side currently sit 14th in the table, but they have won two of their last four matches. Atletico, meanwhile, currently occupy second position in the table on 27 points.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Granada. Atletico have won three of the last four matches, with the other ending in a draw. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 1-0 win for Atletico, who were also 5-0 winners in the Spanish capital in April.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Roberto; Nyom, Mainz, Murillo, Foulquier; Iturra, Brahimi, Rico, Recio, Pereira; Ighalo
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Villa, Costa, Adrian
So there we have it. Still no place in the Granada XI for Diego Buonanotte, while Riki is also on the bench. However, Recio, Fran Rico and Manuel Iturra all start in midfield for the home side. Atletico recall Adrian Lopez to their starting side, while there is also a place for Mario Suarez. Raul Garcia and Oliver Torres are both named on the bench.
What’s more, Granada have not scored against Atletico in their last four matches with the capital outfit. However, the home side will enter the match full of confidence having beaten Elche 1-0 last time out. Despite investment in the summer, it has been a difficult start to the season, with the club just two points outside of the relegation zone.
Home form has also been a problem for Granada with one win and four defeats on their own patch this season. They are also the lowest scorers in the division – having incredibly found the back of the net on just six occasions. To put that into context, Barcelona have scored 33 and Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have 27 and 26 respectively.
Luckily, Granada have been fairly compact in defence with just 10 goals conceded in their 10 matches – keeping three clean sheets in the process. That is the joint-second best record in the league with Villarreal. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have conceded just seven, the same number as league leaders Barcelona.
Atletico, under Diego Simeone, continue to go from strength to strength. They have won nine of their 10 league matches this season, with their only dropped points coming against Espanyol in a 1-0 loss. In Diego Costa and David Villa, they also have a strike pair that are bang in form. They will be expected to pick up another three points this evening.
Atletico have found goals hard to come by on the road, however, with 18 of their 26 strikes coming on their own patch. That said, they have conceded just three times away from the Vicente Calderon. Not only would three points this evening move them a point behind Barcelona, it would also move them five clear of third-place Real Madrid.
PREDICTION: On the face of it, Atletico are strong favourites this evening. However, if Granada start well, you just get the feeling that they could cause an upset. That said, it is difficult to predict anything other than another three points for Diego Simeone's side. I am backing a 3-1 Atletico win.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The away side get the action underway at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
Bright start from the away side as Koke collects possession on the left before cutting a cross towards Diego Costa, but Mainz is across to clear at the vital moment. Granada are in their normal red and white kit this evening, while Atletico are in yellow and blue. Costa takes possession away from Iturra moments later, before winning a corner for the away side.
It's good work from Michael Pereira as the Frenchman drives down the right before finding Ighalo outside the box, but Diego Godin fells the Nigerian striker. The resulting set piece is taken by Rico, but his effort is straight into the wall. You just get the feeling that Granada need to score first if they are to take something from this match.
Not too much in terms of clear chances in the opening six minutes with both sides struggling to put possession together in the final third. Slight problem for Luis moments later as the Brazilian clashes with Nyom, but he is deemed fit to continue. It has been stop-start thus far with the referee forced to award a number of free kicks.
Half-chance for Koke to force the issue for the away side as he drives a deep cross into the box, but Roberto is on hand to collect. Granada are down the other end with Ighalo moments later, but the Nigerian had no options inside the box. The resulting corner is delivered towards Mainz, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
First real sign of Costa as the Spanish striker collects possession out wide before attempting to drive into the box, but Iturra is across to make a fine challenge. Luis is down the other side moments later, but Granada are proving a tough nut to crack at the moment. Neither side has really been able to play their best football in the early stages.
CROSSBAR! Pereira continues to force the issue for the home side as he drives down the right, but Godin is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Rico, but Brahimi's effort smashes against the crossbar. Another corner follows but Recio's header is pushed over the bar by Courtois.
Promising start from the home side as they continue to deliver deep balls into the box, which Courtois has struggled with thus far. Not too much from the likes of Adrian and Villa for Atletico, with both struggling for possession. The home supporters are really driving their team on here with 15 minutes on the clock.
It just isn't happening for Atletico in the final third at the moment as the away side lose possession twice in a matter of seconds. Granada continue to commit players forward, but they are not getting enough players in the Atletico box. Pereira has been the standout player thus far with the Granada winger giving Luis all sorts of problems. The home side are the better team at the moment there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Atletico's first real chance of the match falls to Costa following a wonderful cross from Juanfran, but the striker's header is straight into the arms of Roberto. That is the danger for the home side. End-to-end football in this La Liga encounter. However, we are still goalless.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes as Mainz fells Miranda outside the box. The resulting free kick is delivered into the box by Koke, but Murillo manages to clear the danger. Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to warm to the task as they force another set piece. Will Granada regret not scoring while they were on top in the early stages?
Another half-chance for the away side as Villa meets a free kick from Koke, but the Spaniard can only turn his effort into the arms of Roberto. The Granada goalkeeper is called into action moments later to deny Koke from distance. Nyom delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box moments later, but Juanfran is on hand to clear the danger.
Ighalo remains a threat for the home side as he attempts to meet a clipped pass from Iturra, but the striker is penalised for a foul on Courtois. Costa brings Villa into the game down the other end moments later, but Murillo thumps clear. Very even contest with 27 minutes on the clock. Still goalless in the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
Atletico have the ball in the back of the net as Miranda plants a powerful header into the bottom corner, but the flag had been raised at the final moment. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Atletico are starting to dictate the tempo in the Granada half. The first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital this evening.
Very competitive match at the moment with neither side backing out of challenges in the middle of the park. Costa, who is not one to shirk a challenge, has had an on-going battle with the Granada back four this evening. Granada's main threat continues to arrive from the wide areas, but the only real chance of the match thus far has fallen to Costa.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Nyom as the Granada full-back delivers a dangerous cross into the box, it falls to Recio, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico have not been comfortable this evening there is no question about that. All Granada's performance is missing is a goal.
Iturra has been the pick of the bunch for the home side this evening as he continues to dictate possession in the middle of the park. In truth, not too much has happened in the last couple of moments with Atletico struggling to put anything together in the final third. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded a penalty as Mainz bundles into Villa inside the box. Poor challenge from the home side's skipper. Costa will have the chance to send Atletico into the lead here.
GOAL! Granada 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Costa)
Atletico take the lead as Costa strokes his spot kick into the bottom corner. That is his 12th league goal of the season. How many is he going to score?! He will surely break the 20 mark.
And that is just about the story of Granada's season. They have been easy on the eye this evening and impressive for long spells, but their inability to take their chances has cost them once more. Atletico have the joint-best defensive record in the league this season and had the best in the previous campaign. Over to Granada to turn this one around.
Granada attempt to force the issue once more as Iturra delivers a deep cross into the box, but Courtois is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score their second as Adrian drives into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. That could have been game over before the interval. Granada could do with the whistle here.
CHANCE! Another chance for Atletico in the latter stages of the half as Costa beats Roberto to the ball outside the box, but he can only turn his effort over the crossbar. Moments later, Nyom is booked for diving inside the box.
HALF-TIME: Granada 0-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 1-0 at the interval. Granada have been the better team for much of the first period, but have been unable to create any real chances. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Granada have had 67% of the possession in the first period, but they have managed just one attempt to Atletico's three. In truth, the away side could have been out of sight in the latter stages of the half with a couple of clear opportunities. Their goal came from the spot after Villa had been felled inside the box by Mainz.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Buonanotte, Riki and El-Arabi. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Raul Garcia, Oliver Torres and Tiago in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see the home side make changes.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. If Granada are to take something from this match, then you just get the feeling that they need to score the next goal, but Atletico have conceded just three times on the road in the league this season. Granada get the second period underway on their own patch.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Just a reminder that Granada have scored just six times in their 10 matches this season, which is the lowest record in the league. Neither side has really been allowed to settle in the opening couple of moments in the second period.
Just a couple of signs that Atletico are starting to warm to their task in the second period as Gabi slides a low pass towards Koke, but the midfielder cannot collect at the vital moment. Another half-chance arrives moments later, but Adrian's cross is straight into the arms of Roberto in the Granada goal.
Another half-chance for the away side as Juanfran drives down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Nyom just manages to make contact before Villa, who had an open goal with the goalkeeper coming and missing the cross. Another goal for Atletico and it may well be curtains, even at this stage.
It's good work from Ighalo as the Granada forward drives into the Atletico box, but Godin just makes a challenge at the vital moment. Atletico are down the other end moments later, but Murillo wins the battle with Costa. End-to-end football with 55 minutes on the clock. It does appear that the second goal is coming.
It is a surprise that Lucas Alcaraz has not looked to his bench with 57 minutes on the clock. There is a lot of talent at his disposal there is no question about that. The home side continue to press in the Atletico half, but the final ball is just not there. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this week 11 clash in La Liga.
Half-chance for the away side as Miranda fells Ighalo outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Recio, but his effort is straight into the wall. It presents a counter-attacking chance to Atletico, but Villa cannot keep hold of the ball. Both managers will surely be thinking about changes as the second period continues to gather pace.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling in the final third. Granada have made a change, however, with Brahimi being replaced by Buonanotte, who will certainly add some invention in the final third. No movement on the Atletico bench, but Adrian could be the obvious one to depart if Diego Simeone felt that one was required.
Iturra has been sensational in the Granada midfield this evening as he continues to buzz around in the middle of the park, but there is not too much happening ahead of him. It would not be a surprise to see Alcaraz make another change in the next five minutes or so. Atletico, meanwhile, have not created too much in the second period. Little over 25 minutes of the match remaining.
Luis becomes the latest player to enter the book as the Atletico full-back fells Nyom just outside the box. However, the resulting free kick comes to nothing. Chances have been at a premium in the second period, but you just get the feeling that another goal will arrive in the final 20 minutes or so. The stadium is silent at the moment.
Granada make their second change of the match as Riki, who joined from Deportivo La Coruna in the summer, replaces Recio. It hasn't quite happened for the Spaniard this evening. Plenty in attack for Granada, but Atletico remain a threat on the counter. I suspect we could see Diego Simeone freshen up his side in the next five minutes or so. Everything is laboured at the moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Costa to score his second as the striker is found by Villa inside the box, but Roberto is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. Atletico look to their bench for the first time moments later as Raul Garcia replaces Adrian.
It just isn't happening for the home side at the moment as each attack continues to break down in the final third. Atletico are playing in second gear at the moment and are incredibly comfortable. Costa, however, has been frustrated by a number of poor balls in the second period. Atletico have been wasteful in midfield there is no question about that.
Stop-start period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee more involved than he would like as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. It is almost like a pre-season match at the moment with the home supporters waiting for something to happen. Little under 15 minutes of the match remaining.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded their second penalty of the match as Murillo fells Villa inside the box. Villa will take this one.
GOAL! Granada 0-2 Atletico Madrid (Villa)
Villa takes his chance as he strokes his spot kick into the back of the net. Interesting to see that Costa allowed the Spaniard to take the penalty. Granada respond with a chance as El-Arabi, who is their top scorer this season with three goals, replaces Pereira.
Atletico go in search of their third as Juanfran drives down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Roberto is on hand to collect the danger. Little under 10 minutes for the lowest scorers in the league to find a couple of goals here. Atletico are, as it stands, moving one point behind leaders Barcelona.
CHANCE! Granada come close to cutting the deficit as Riki meets a bouncing ball outside the box, but his effort just moves wide of the post. That would have certainly made the final five minutes interesting. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Granada.
Atletico make their second change of the match as experienced midfielder Tiago replaces Villa, who has been very impressive this evening - winning both penalties and scoring the second. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Athletic Bilbao against Elche. Be sure to remain with us for that.
Atletico go in search of their third as Gabi delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Iturra - who has been sensational this evening - is across to clear the danger. In my opinion, Granada will be safe from relegation this season, but they need to find a way of scoring goals. Sometimes it doesn't have to be pretty. Summer signing Piti, who is currently injured, will soon return.
RED CARD! (Luis)
Atletico are reduced to 10 men in the latter stages as Luis handles inside the Granada box. It is harsh. Moments before, Granada stopper Roberto had been forced into a fine save from Garcia. Quite an end to this match.
GOAL! Granada 1-2 Atletico (Ighalo)
Granada open their tally as Ighalo finds the back of the net following a fine cross from Nyom. Is their time for another here? Little over one minute of stoppage time to play.
Granada continue to deliver dangerous balls into the Atletico box, but Miranda and Godin continue to clear the danger. What an end to this match. If only the goal had come five minutes earlier. I think that it is too little too late as Atletico bring on Insua for Koke.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-2 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Atletico hold on to pick up all three points in a 2-1 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Elche. Until then!
