Atletico Madrid travelled to face Real Valladolid on Sunday looking for their first away win in the league since November.
The capital outfit did indeed take the lead after 11 minutes when Radamel Falcao converted from close range, with that score still standing at the interval.
It was 2-0 early in the second period, however, when Diego Costa thumped a low effort into the bottom corner before Cristian Rodriguez added a third late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! No rest for the wicked. Our penultimate La Liga commentary of the weekend comes from Valladolid as the home side welcome second-placed Atletico Madrid. Valladolid are currently enjoying a successful season, without a chance of European football, but comfortably ahead of the relegation zone as things stand.
As mentioned, they have won two of their last five matches in the league, while their home record this season has been fairly encouraging with five wins from 12 matches. Three points this evening would move them into ninth position in the table, but they face a side that has won 16 of their 23 matches this season.
Atletico lost ground on Barcelona last weekend when they were beaten by Rayo Vallecano, while Real Madrid also closed the gap to four points. The title is seemingly beyond them, but they will be keen to finish above their capital rivals at the end of the season. However, all five of their league defeats this season have come on the road.
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Hernandez; Rukavina, Pena, Balenziaga, Rueda; Rubio, Oscar, Omar, Sastre; Larsson, Guerra
ATLETICO: Courtois; Miranda, Juanfran, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Koke, Turan; Falcao, Costa
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. A quick word on the main team news. Valladolid continue with Javi Guerra in attack, meaning that Manucho must start on the bench once more. Atletico have Diego Costa returning, however, with the Brazilian named in attack alongside Radamel Falcao. The home side get the action underway.
The rain is falling heavily in Spain this evening, which should contribute to a fast-paced tempo in this match. A reminder that Atletico have not won on the road since November, which has allowed Real Madrid to close the gap on the second-placed capital outfit. This is a vital match for both teams this evening.
Neither team has really settled into the early stages of this match with both guilty of exchanging spells of possession. The home side do come close to opening the scoring as Tiago cuts out a cross from Larsson, but in doing so almost finds the back of his own net. The corner is taken by Omar, but Costa rises highest to clear the danger.
Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to get to grips with this match as Koke, Gabi and Tiago start to enjoy possession in the midfield area. The latter attempts to find the run of Falcao with a searching pass, but Pena is across to clear at the vital moment. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
Atletico continue to dominate the early stages of this match with Arda Turan causing all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery down the left. The Turkish international finds Costa in the penalty area, but Pena comes across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, but Hernandez saves, before denying Falcao moments later.
Not too much from the home side in terms of an attacking threat thus far with Javi Guerra and Larsson struggling to keep hold of the possession. It does seem strange that Manucho has not been recalled this evening, with his pace and power a constant threat. It has been an extremely comfortable 10 minutes for the capital outfit, but the score remains 0-0.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-1 Atletico (Falcao)
Atletico take the lead with a wonderfully-crafted free kick. Gabi is felled outside the penalty area by Pena. The resulting set piece is taken by the skipper, who finds Costa, the striker's effort is saved by Hernandez, but Falcao is on hand to tap home from close range. That is his 60th goal in 75 games.
You just get the feeling that Atletico needed to take the lead this evening. Despite their success this season, they have struggled away from home in recent weeks. Another half-chance arrives for the away side as Costa drives into the box, but Pena is across to clear at the vital moment.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as the capital outfit continue to force free kicks outside the penalty area. The latest set piece is taken by Gabi, but Rukavina is on hand to head clear of the penalty area. Not too much for the home side to get excited about thus far, with Atletico in total control.
The rain continues to fall inside the stadium as Atletico utterly dominate the possession. Valladolid really need to stay in this match at the moment, but they just cannot keep hold of the ball in the opposing half. Another cross from Turan comes close to finding Falcao, but Hernandez is quick off his line to clear.
It is the away supporters that are making the noise in the early stages of this match. Just about 30 miles separates Madrid and Valladolid, but the quality of the football has been greater than that thus far. It isn't the most pleasing game on the eye, but in the conditions that is certainly to be expected.
CHANCE! The away side come close to their second of the match as Costa picks up possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but it takes a deflection off Pena before moving behind for a corner, which Hernandez comes a long way to collect.
Slightly better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Sastre collects possession down the right before firing a low cross into the box, but Larsson just cannot make contact under pressure from Juanfran. Costa has another half-chance down the other end moments later, but his shot is straight at Hernandez.
Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with Valladolid struggling to offer any sort of threat in this match. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will have a huge effect on the final result. Atletico certainly look in the mood this evening.
An old-fashioned challenge between Juanfran and Omar brings calls for a penalty from the home supporters, but the referee is simply not interested as he waves play on. There is something about this Atletico team that just looks stronger this evening, they are such a threat with Costa and Falcao in attack. Unfortunately for Adrian Lopez, he has just not performed this season.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and that early goal from Falcao continues to separate the two sides. In truth, it has not been the best 30 minutes of football, but Atletico will not mind as long as they pick up the three points. The rain continues to fall in Spain, but the pitch is remaining in good shape, for now.
Again Atletico continue to force the issue as Costa combines with Falcao outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Valladolid attempt to fashion an opportunity down the other end with Larsson, but the Swede just cannot evade the challenge of Miranada, who has been impressive thus far.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with Valladolid enjoying decent possession in the Atletico half. However, they have been unable to find the elusive final pass thus far. Not too much to get excited about for Atletico in the last few minutes, but they do look the side more capable in the final third of the pitch.
Untidy period of the match in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of handing away a number of free kicks in the opposing half. Atletico continue to look the most likely as Falcao wins a header before Costa strikes towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Not much of a tempo in the latter stages of this half.
Another free kick from Gabi causes concern in the Valladolid penalty area, but this time Hernandez is out to claim at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Turan weaves into the box, but Rukavina is across to clear. Meanwhile, no sign of the rain relenting as 8pm local time approaches.
Neither team is taking too much care in possession of the ball at the moment as the passes continue to go astray. However, truth be told, Valladolid have been just about as poor as they have been all season. Costa comes close down the other end with a chipped effort, but Hernandez stretches to make the block.
Atletico continue to enjoy the majority of the possession in the latter stages of this half, without really threatening to take a two-goal lead. You suspect that it is one of those matches that they will be keen to complete with as little effort as possible. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for the home side in the latter stages of the half as Sastre meets a corner from Larsson, but Courtois is on hand to make the clearance. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time.
HALF-TIME: Real Valladolid 0-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading the tie 1-0, courtesy of a close-range finish from Falcao. In truth, it has been far from a classic, but Atletico do deserve to enter the break in the lead.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valladolid have had more of the possession with 59%, but they have managed just one attempt on goal, in contrast to Atletico, who have had five. The only disappointment for the capital outfit would be that they have failed to score more than one goal.
What about the benches for this match? Valladolid have Manucho on the bench, who would be the most obvious change in the second period. Atletico have a host of options, meanwhile, with the likes of Adrian and Cristian Rodriguez in reserve.
Just a final reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano, who have arguably been the team of the season. As it stands, Atletico would move to within 12 points of leaders Barcelona, while Valladolid would remain in the bottom half of the table.
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. Valladolid simply have to offer more in attack in the second period. The home side get the half underway on this rainy evening in Spain.
Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the next goal in the match - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the final result. It is difficult to see Valladolid coming back from two goals behind.
Costa is again involved for Atletico as the Brazilian picks up possession before driving to the edge of the box, but Pena is across to make a challenge, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is taken by Gabi, but Rueda is on hand to head clear. The home side attack down the other end with Omar, but his final pass is straight into the arms of Courtois.
Manucho is being put through a warm-up on the side of the pitch which is not too surprising based on the home side's threat, well lack of one, in this match thus far. Atletico are just about the toughest team to break down in La Liga, three of their four wins on the road this season have been by this score.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to level the scores as Larsson beats Courtois to the ball, but the referee pulls up play for an offside decision, much to the frustration of the home supporters. That will just give them hope that they can indeed open up this stern defence.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-2 Atletico (Costa)
The away side have their second of the match as Costa drives into the penalty area before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Powerful play from the Brazilian, but you have to question the defending. He was allowed so much time to operate.
Meanwhile, the home side make their first change of the match as Manucho replaces Guerra. It does seem a strange decision to replace a striker with a striker when the team are 2-0 down. Why not go two in attack? It is difficult to see any possible way how they get back into this match.
The Atletico supporters continue to sing their hearts out as we approach the final 30 minutes of this match. A reminder that we have one more La Liga game to come this evening with Real Madrid taking on Rayo Vallecano. Espanyol are also involved against Real Betis, but we will focus on the match from Madrid. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments in this one.
The away side come close to scoring their third of the match as Turan combines with Falcao before driving into the box, but Hernandez is on hand to make a fine save. Turan turns provider moments later for Falcao, but the striker is just denied at the vital moment by Pena.
Manucho is involved for the home side as he plays a header towards Larsson, but Miranda is across to clear at the vital moment. Valladolid want a penalty moments later as Godin appears to handle inside the box, but replays have shown that the offence was indeed outside the box. The cross is fired in by Omar, but once more it comes to nothing.
Manucho again comes close as he meets a cross from Omar, but the former Manchester United striker can only head over the crossbar. He was done more in the five minutes that he was been on the pitch than Guerra did in the entire match. Koke comes close with an effort down the other end, but it just moves high of the crossbar.
The rain continues to fall over this match, with Atletico going in search of their third goal of the evening. Turan is again involved as he slips a low pass behind the Valladolid defence, but Fernandez is out to clear the danger. It is almost as if the home side have lost belief that they can get back into the match.
Gabi has a half-chance to score goal number three as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. You do get the feeling that there are more goals in this match, but it is difficult to see Valladolid scoring. It is proving a successful evening for Atletico, who have struggled on the road in recent weeks.
Untidy period of the match in the last few minutes with neither team taking too much care in possession of the ball. Meanwhile, a host of fouls have just interrupted the tempo somewhat. Valladolid are not really in relegation trouble this season, but this result has all but ended their already slim hopes of a Europa League place.
Decent spell for the home side in the last couple of moments as Manucho comes close with a header before Larsson strikes an effort from distance, but still they cannot find the back of the net. This will not go down as one of the best Atletico performances of the season, but that does not matter one jot.
The home side make another change as Alberto Bueno replaces Omar, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Not too much to report in terms of attacking chances, meanwhile, with both teams guilty of poor passing. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and it is just so comfortable for the capital outfit.
The away side make their first change of the match as Turan is replaced by Rodriguez. Taking a look at their bench this evening, they have the likes of Mario Suarez, Adrian Lopez and Diaz in their squad, a clear indication of just why they are performing so well this season. Not too much to report on the pitch as things stand.
Meanwhile, the home side make another change as Javier Baraja replaces Sastre. The former does not have too long to make an impact, but he certainly has the quality to produce something special. I suspect if you asked Courtois, then he would say that this is just about the most comfortable he has been all season. Valladolid simply have not threatened.
It is easy to point to one man, but Valladolid's form has taken a turn for the worse ever since Patrick Ebert suffered an injury in the early stages of the season. He was one of the standout players in the entire league before the winter break. Atletico continue to toy with the home side as they keep hold of possession in the opposing half.
The home supporters start to exit the stadium as this match approaches the latter stages. Meanwhile, the away side make their second change of the match as Costa is replaced by Raul Garcia. Not a bad change to make at this stage of the match. Not a very kind reception from the home supporters for the Spanish midfielder.
Manucho is again involved for the home side, but not quite in the way he would have expected. The former Manchester United striker is on hand to make a fine defensive clearance as he plays out the final moments in this match as one of the central defenders. That just about sums up their entire evening.
Rodriguez comes close to creating another opportunity as he drives into the penalty area before standing up a cross to the far post, but there is not one single Atletico player in the Valladolid penalty area. Not that it matters too much in the grand scheme of things. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Atletico make their third and final change of the evening as Mario Suarez replaces Koke, who has once more been impressive. It has been a real breakthrough season for the young Spaniard.
GOAL! Real Valladolid 0-3 Atletico Madrid (Rodriguez)
The away side wrap up the three points in style as Rodriguez drives into the penalty area before finishing from close range. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. What a performance from the top team in the Spanish capital.
FULL-TIME: Real Valladolid 0-3 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Atletico score three times without reply to record a 3-0 win over Real Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for action from Madrid. Until then!
