Antoine Griezmann grabs win for Atletico Madrid against Deportivo La Coruna

Antoine Griezmann found a winner as a depleted Atletico Madrid edged past Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 to move third in La Liga.

Diego Simeone was forced into two first half changes as Jose Gimenez and Augusto Fernandez suffered injuries, meaning key players like Gabi Fernandez weren’t afforded rest ahead of next week’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

Deportivo La Coruna proved difficult to break down and were the better side for much of the first half until Faycal Facjr was shown a second yellow card on the stroke of the interval. From that moment on the hosts were in control.

Griezmann found the breakthrough with 20 minutes left to play, forcing home from close range after good play from substitute Kevin Gameiro. The goal means the French striker has now joined Luis Suarez at the top of the Liga goalscoring chart, with Atleti making the most of Real Madrid’s draw against Las Palmas on Saturday.

How costly could Atletico Madrid’s injuries prove? Simeone cut a frustrated figure on the touchline for the first half as he watched Augusto and Gimenez suffer injuries. The early diagnosis is particularly bleak for the latter, with the defender set to be ruled out with ligament damage in his knee. So could this impact on Atletico Madrid’s chances of success in La Liga and in the Champions League this season?

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): The Frenchman scored the winner, but he lead the line and set an example for his team all the way through the match. Griezmann has become the spiritual leader of Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons and he is the epitome of what Simeone wants from his team. He is the face of this side and he made the difference once again this afternoon.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak 5, Juanfran 6, Gimenez 4, Godin 7, Luis 7, Augusto 4, Koke 6, Gaitan 5, Carrasco 6, Griezmann 8, Correa 5. Subs - Gameiro 7, Gabi 6, Lucas 6.

Deportivo La Coruna: Lux 8, Laure 5, Albentosa 6, Arribas 6, Navarro 5, Borges 5, Guilherme 6, Facjr 4, Emre 7, Valle 6, Andone 7. Subs - Luisinho 6, Mosquera 5, Babel 5.

23’ - BIG CHANCE FOR GRIEZMANN! That was a big opportunity for the Frenchman. He was played through by Carraso, but Griezmann pulls his shot across goal and wide of the far post.

24’ - OFF THE LINE! Gaitan sends a header towards the Deportivo La Coruna goal, but Fajr is back in the line to make the clearance. All of a sudden Atletico Madrid are on top in this match.

44’ - RED CARD: Facjr has been sent off for Deportivo La Coruna after a late challenge on Gaitan. How big a moment could that be in this match? That was foolish when he was already on a yellow.

53’ - CARRASCO OFF THE WOODWORK! That would have been an absolute screamer. The Belgian unleashed an effort from the best part of 20 yards, but he hits the angle of post and bar.

61’ - GREAT SAVE BY LUX! I think it was Gabi who hit a shot on the full volley from a corner kick, but Deportivo La Coruna's keeper is equal to the effort. What a sensational stop!

70’ - GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Deportivo La Coruna: Finally, there's the breakthrough! Gameiro fires a cross in from the right and Griezmann is on hand to finish from close range.

90’ - SO CLOSE TO AN EQUALISER! Atletico Madrid were almost caught there. Godin makes a superb blocking header to prevent Emre from finding the net with a great volley.

Deportivo La Coruna are the only team in La Liga yet to score a single goal away from home this season.

Antoine Griezmann has scored six goals in his nine league games against Deportivo La Coruna, four of them for Atletico Madrid.