Atletico Madrid travelled to the Estadio El Sadar on Sunday knowing that three points against Osasuna would move them to within one point of second-placed Real Madrid.
A non-eventful first period brought just the one goal with Diego Costa turning home from close range to leave the capital outfit ahead at the interval.
Costa had his second in the early stages of the second period when he converted a Koke free-kick from close range, although the match ended in disappointment for the Brazilian as he was forced off with an ankle injury.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the weekend comes from El Sadar as Osasuna welcome Atletico Madrid. The home side’s strong run of form has just been stunted in recent weeks with back-to-back defeats, but their opponents this evening are without a win in three matches.
Osasuna have not been too impressive at home this season with just five wins from their 14 matches, but Atletico have been far from perfect on their travels with five defeats from 13. Atletico suffered double disappointment last week, not only losing second position in the table, but losing their perfect run of 13 wins from 13 matches at the Vicente Calderon.
Following Real Madrid’s win over Real Mallorca on Saturday, Atletico trail their capital rivals by four points. If they aren’t careful, then their hard work could be undone in the next couple of weeks. However, this evening sees the least-scoring team in the division, Osasuna, welcome the best defensive side, Atletico. Anyone for a 0-0 draw?
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Flano, Lolo, Bertran; Oier, Arrbias, Shojaei, Punal, De las Cuevas; Armenteros
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Diaz, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Turan, Falcao, Costa
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a quick word on the main team news. Just the one up top for the home side with Armenteros leading their line. Atletico, meanwhile, once more pair Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa in attack with Adrian Lopez taking his place on the bench. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
A reminder that Atletico currently sit four points behind Real Madrid, who moved into second position last weekend. Osasuna, meanwhile, are not clear of the relegation zone despite sitting in 15th position. It has been a confident start from Atletico this evening with the likes of Gabi and Mario Suarez forcing the issue from midfield areas.
Not a full house inside the stadium by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a strong atmosphere with both sets of supporters letting their voices be known in the early stages. You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that Atletico simply have to win if they are to finish second this season. They have certainly made the better start.
Not too much for the home side to get excited about in the opening six minutes with Armenteros cutting an isolated figure in the final third. Atletico continue to force the issue as Costa collects possession in a wide area before drilling a low cross into the box, but it moves straight along the six-yard box without a touch. Let-off for Osasuna.
First half-chance of the match for the home side as Armenteros meets a cross from Oier, but the striker can only fire his header wide of the post. Osasuna simply have to take whatever chances they can create this evening. Penalty shout for Atletico as Falcao is bundled over in the box, but the referee shakes his head.
Chance for the home side to create an opportunity from a free kick as Oier is pulled down outside the penalty area by Juanfran. The resulting set piece is taken by Shojaei, but he can only curl his effort just wide of the post. Wonderful effort from the midfielder, but he just cannot find the corner. More of an even contest in the last couple of moments.
The pressure continues from the home side as Armenteros darts into the penalty area, but Diaz is across to make the challenge. No sign of the tempo slowing as Atletico advance immediately down the other end with Falcao, but the Colombian can only fire his effort wide of the post. Both sides could have scored twice in the opening 12 minutes of this pulsating clash.
Osasuna have just started to take control of the possession in the latter stages with their formation allowing the likes of De las Cuevas and Shojaei to push forward at each opportunity. Slightly sloppy from Atletico down the other end as Costa is caught in possession twice in quick succession. It remains 0-0 with 14 minutes on the clock.
Again Osasuna create a half-chance as Armenteros meets a cross from Punal, but once more the Argentine can only clip his header over the crossbar. The home side are certainly winning the midfield battle at the moment with the extra man in the middle of the park allowing them to dominate the ball. But you just get the feeling that they need to score during this period.
Costa's frustration continues as the Brazilian is penalised for a late challenge on Lolo. It just hasn't quite happened for the Atletico forward pair in the early stages, but with Falcao in attack, they always have a chance of finding the back of the net. The home support remain firmly behind their team as Osasuna continue to pass and probe outside the opposing penalty area.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Osasuna just starting to become slightly one-paced in attack. They don't really have anyone that is prepared to run behind the Atletico defence, which is allowing the away side to push their defence high up the pitch. Meanwhile, the referee is called into action to deal with a number of fouls.
The latest free kick comes close to the opening goal of the match as Punal strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving over the crossbar. That has just been the story of the match thus far. Plenty of efforts from distance, but no clear opportunities. Two well-matched teams on display at the moment.
The ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last couple of moments as both teams attempt to force the issue with a host of crosses into the opposing box. Costa bursts into life for Atletico as he carries the ball past two defenders before striking an effort towards goal, but Damia is across to make the challenge.
It's good work from Turan as the Atletico winger drives down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but once more Lolo is across to head clear. That has been the story of Atletco's performance thus far. It is perhaps too early to make such a statement, but if Atletico do not win this evening, then for me, Real Madrid will finish second in the table.
Decent possession for Osasuna in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the penalty area, but it is easy to see why they have struggled to score goals this season. They have plenty of quality in the middle part of the pitch, but Atletico have been comfortable in dealing with the danger thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Punal darts into the penalty area before turning Juanfran and striking an effort on goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Costa comes close down the other end, but his low cross towards Falcao is just too powerful the Colombian. It remains goalless with 32 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been called into action on a number of occasions in the last few minutes to deal with a series of challenges. In fairness, it has not been a dirty match, rather a host of bitty tackles from both sides. Not too much to report in terms of chances with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Costa)
Atletico lead against the run of play! It's wonderful work from Koke as the midfielder finds Costa in the box, his first effort is saved by the goalkeeper, but he heads the rebound into the back of the net. It is tough on Osasuna.
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A bouncing ball in the Atletico penalty once more causes problems as Armenteros threatens to level, but his effort is more high than towards goal, with Courtois able to collect with relative ease. Important period of the match coming up for the home side, they cannot afford to concede again before the interval.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Oier meets a cross from Masoud, but Courtois is on hand to make a fine save. Osasuna simply have to take those type of chances. Another header comes from Masoud moments later, but he can only head wide from close range.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Turan threatens for the away side with a dangerous cross into the box, but the danger is cleared before Punal clips an effort over the crossbar down the other end. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be decisive.
A reminder that Osasuna spent more than a third of the season thus far in the bottom three, but a strong February moved them out of trouble. They just need to discover some of that form from the previous month. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time at the end of the first period.
CHANCE! Double chance for the home side in the latter stages of the first period as Masoud meets a corner from Oier, but Courtois manages to make the save before denying Punal. Wonderful goalkeeping from the Belgian.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Osasuna have arguably been the better side in the opening 45 minutes of football, but they trail to a header from Costa. It has been a match of few chances, but as it stands, Atletico will close the gap on second-placed Real Madrid to one point.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 60%, while they have had five attempts to Atletico's two. However, the quality of the finishing has separated the two sides with Osasuna passing up a host of chances in the early stages. It is not difficult to see why they are the least-scoring side in La Liga.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Joseba Llorente and Nino. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Adrian Lopez, Raul Garcia and Cristian Rodriguez in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano. The home side will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, while Rayo have European matters on their mind. Right, the second period is just moments away.
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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 perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. We have not seen much from Falcao in the first period, with the Colombian playing second fiddle to Costa. The away side get the half underway.
Kike Sola has been a real miss for the home side this evening. Of the 11 players they currently have on the pitch, they have scored just five goals between them. Whatever way you look at that, it equals trouble at the highest level. It is so important that they stay in the match in the early stages of this half.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-2 Atletico Madrid (Costa)
A poor challenge from Flano on Costa hands a free kick to Atletico just outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is whipped into the penalty area by Koke, with Costa on hand to turn home from close range. The Brazilian has been the best player on the pitch this evening.
Well, I said that Osasuna need to stay in the match. That has not been the case. Atletico have had just two attempts on goal this evening, but scored twice. That is the difference at the highest level. Atletico go in search of their third as Turan whips a dangerous cross into the box, but this time Damia is on hand to turn behind for a corner.
Osasuna attempt to respond immediately down the other end as Punal strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The home side have played some nice football this evening, but they just have not threatened to open their tally. Another goal for Atletico at this stage and it really is curtains.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to their third of the match as Falcao dances into the penalty area before striking an effort from close range, but Fernandez gets down well to make the save. One-way traffic with 55 minutes on the clock. Osasuna have to hang in this match.
De las Cuevas remains the main outlet for Osasuna as he darts into the box before finding Punal, but his powerful effort is blocked by Miranda. A reminder that Atletico have the best defensive record in the league this season. On this kind of form, it is not difficult to see why. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Estadio El Sadar.
Costa thinks he is in for his hat trick as he collects a pass from Turan, but the offside flag stops him in his tracks. The Brazilian does force a corner moments later, which Koke flashes into the box, but Fernandez is able to flap clear under pressure from Miranda. Osasuna are struggling here.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Koke whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Fernandez is forced to turn behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is whipped in by the Spanish midfielder, but Lolo rises highest to clear. All on-way traffic with 62 minutes on the clock.
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Osasuna make their first change of the match as Nino replaces De las Cuevas, who has struggled in the second period. It was a surprise that the pacey Nino did not start this evening. It should not be underestimated just how much of a miss Sola is to this Osasuna side. There is still plenty of time for them to get back into this match.
Half-chance for Masoud as the midfielder strikes one from distance, but Courtois was comfortable in claiming the danger. Another opportunity comes moments later as Armenteros meets a cross from Oier, but Miranda turns behind for a corner. Decent pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee called into action to deal with a number of free kicks. At 2-0, there is always a chance that Osasuna can get back into this match as they force another corner. They may lack quality, but you cannot question their work-rate this evening. The whole stadium is willing the ball into the back of the net.
Atletico have just turned the screw in the last couple of moments with two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Fernandez before Miranda heads the second over the crossbar. You do get the feeling that the away side could move through the gears at any point. Osasuna are threatening, but they just don't look capable of finding the back of the net.
Osasuna continue to force the issue with a host of crosses into the penalty area, but Courtois deals with the danger. The latest corner from Oier does cause concern, but Miranda manages to block an effort from Flano. Costa has a half-chance down the other end, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
Slight bit of controversy here as Costa falls to the floor in the penalty area, with Osasuna stopped on the attack by the referee. Not too sure that the Brazilian it hurt here, although he did appear to turn his ankle. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining as Punal is replaced by Alvaro Cejudo for the home side.
Atletico are forced into their first change of the match as Adrian Lopez replaces Costa, who is not moving too well as he leaves the pitch. Let's hope that it is not a serious injury for the two-goal striker. Osasuna continue to play nice football outside the Atletico box, but once more there is no end product.
Osasuna want a penalty as Nino is tugged back by Diaz, but the referee is not interested in making the decision. A corner follows moments later, but once more it leads to disappointment as Courtois comes out to collect. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining this evening.
Osasuna make their third change of the match as Damia is replaced by Llorente. Mendilibar has played all his cards now. His side have little under 10 minutes to score twice. In truth, it does not appear likely that the goal will come as Atletico continue to defend with relative ease. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments.
No real sign of the Osasuna onslaught as they struggle to put passes together in the final third of the pitch. They do not concede too many, but their inability to hit the back of the net is a real problem as they attempt to remain in the division. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Osasuna.
Half-chance for the home side as Oier strikes an effort from just outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Osasuna had a penalty shout moments before as Armenteros was felled by Diaz, but once more the referee is not interested.
Atletico make their third and final change of the match as Rodriguez replaces Turan for the final moments. The Uruguayan comes close moments after being introduced, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Decent conclusion from the home side as they continue to force high crosses into the penalty area, but once more Courtois comes out to make the clearance. Arribas tries his luck from distance moments later, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Little over one minute of football remaining.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-2 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it, a goal in either half from Costa is enough to hand all three points to Atletico, who move one point behind Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Barcelona. Until then!
