Athletic Club went into the game on the back of a disappointing one-all draw away at Granada, who are second from the bottom. They were hoping to bounce back and add to their impressive start to the season as they sit in fifth position and are in a position to fight for a Champions League spot. Atlético Madrid are fighting for more than just a Champions League spot, as they hoped to earn a win that would keep them in touch with Girona and Real Madrid above them in the table.
Jan Oblak was the hero in the first half as the home side did everything but score. The away side were unable to compete with an impressive Athletic, who had the Atlético net under siege. Iñaki Williams hit the post after ten minutes, and Oblak pulled off an impressive save to deny Niko Williams. The home side were given a golden opportunity after they were given a penalty shortly before halftime when Çağlar Söyüncü brought down Niko Williams. However, Oihan Sancet spurned the chance as he blazed the ball over the net. The home side didn’t let their heads drop and continued on the front foot until halftime, as they struck the post again, and Iñaki Williams saw his shot blocked.
The second half started as the first finished, with Athletic continuing to dominate. Diego Simeone tried to change things up a little as he brought on José María Giménez and Rodrigo de Paul, but to no avail. The home side finally got their much-deserved goal through Gorka Guruzeta. The striker was left far too much room at the back post and slotted the ball into the net from an Ander Herrera chipped ball. Los Colchoneros had no reply to their opponent’s dominance, who soon got their second through a spectacular Niko Williams finish that left the goalkeeper no chance. The home side would have been out of sight if not for another impressive Oblak save from an Iñaki Williams. Atlético couldn’t make use of the lifeline he handed them. Marcos Llorente had his effort saved, and from then on in, the home side coasted to an impressive two-nil victory.
Athletic stay in fifth but move to within just two points of Atlético Madrid and Barcelona in third and fourth. Atlético missed the chance to reduce the gap between themselves and their title rivals, who may heap more misery on them if Real Madrid and Girona get something from their matches on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
GSFN | Finn Entwistle
