Atlético Madrid close gap on Liga leaders with win over Espanyol

Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol, closing the gap on their title rivals at the top of the Liga table.

The result saw the Liga champions bounce back from defeat to Valencia two weeks ago, pulling them to within five points of table toppers Barcelona as they continue to adapt to life without Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis.

Atletico dominated the first half but struggled to break down a stubborn Espanyol defence, and indeed it was the visitors who passed up the first genuine chance of the match, with Miguel Angel Moya making an astonishing save to deny Lucas Vazquez from close range.

Just minutes before half-time Atletico champions made the breakthrough, however, with Tiago looping a header over Kiko Casilla to send Atletico into the interval with a narrow lead.

The home side added a second goal after 71 minutes when substitute Mario Suarez got the final touch on a Diego Godin header from a chaotic corner kick.

Antoine Griezmann hit the post in the dying stages of the match as he looked for his first goal in nine matches for Atleti, but the result had already been assured as the champions extended their unbeaten streak at home to 24 matches.

5’ BIG SAVE! – How hasn't that gone in?! Casilla makes an astonishing save from Turan from a corner kick, making a second stop from Mandzukic. That's why he's been called up to the Spanish national team.

16’ MOYA STOP – Good save from Moya! Espanyol threaten for the first time this morning, with Garcia getting a cross into the box from the left side, but the keeper makes a great save from Lucas.

43’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1 Espanyol 0 – The home side finally have the breakthrough! A cross into the box is met by Tiago, who loops a header over Casilla in the Espanyol goal.

64’ NO PENALTY – Penalty claims turned down! Griezmann plays a shot into Colotto, with claims for a penalty loud and clear from the players. But the referee turns down the appeals. It did hit his arm.

67’ CASILLA SAVE – Great save by Casilla! Garcia plays a wonderful pass over the top for Mandzukic to take on the run, but his shot is saved by the legs of Casilla. That was a chance for the Croatian striker.

73’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2 Espanyol 0 – Atleti have their second goal! Another set piece and this time Suarez finishes on the line after a looping header from Godin.

86’ WOODWORK - Griezmann hits the post! A pass in behind the Espanyol defence eventually falls to the Frenchman, who takes it past Casilla, but from a tight angle he manages to hit the outside of the near post.

With nine Atletico have scored nine headed goals more than any other La Liga team this season.

Atletico de Madrid have won more games against Espanyol than any other side in their top-flight history.

Atletico Madrid have now gone 24 games without suffering defeat at the Vicente Calderon.

There’s no doubting the Croatian’s capacity as an opportunistic goalscorer, but Mandzukic appears neither mobile nor energetic enough to play as the frontman in Atletico’s fluid and interchangeable system. He struggled throughout the game and appeared at odds with what the rest of his team was trying to achieve. He has work to do if he is to adapt to Simeone’s style.

Atletico Madrid certainly have more spectacular players than him, but Tiago might just be their most effective. The former Chelsea midfielder scored the opener but was instrumental in Atletico’s best play until he was withdrawn early in the second half as a precaution.

Atletico Madrid – Moya 5, Ansaldi 6, Godin 8, Gimenez 7, Juanfran 6, Koke 7, Tiago 8, Gabi 6, Turan 7, Mandzukic 4, Garcia 6. Subs – Suarez 7, Griezmann 6.

Espanyol – Casilla 7, Fuentes 6, Alvaro 6, Colotto 7, Lopez 5, Alvarez 5, Sevilla 5, Canas 7, Lucas 6, Garcia 7, Caicedo 4. Subs – Alex 5, Stuani 5, Montanes 4.