Three points of pride
Atlético’s effort and desire to win was rewarded in a complicated match against Elche. A header from Miranda, and a goal from Diego Costa, all in the second half, keeps us at the very top of the table.
Atlético: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe, Tiago, Gabi, Koke (Diego Ribas, 56’), Adrián, (Raúl García, 46’) David Villa (Sosa,62’) and Diego Costa.
Elche: Manu, Damian, Botía, Sapunaru, Pelegrín, Carlos Sánchez, Márquez (Boakye, 78’), Carles Gil (Aaron, 71’), Coro, Rivera, Herrera (Fidel, 57’) and Pelegrín (Min.64).
Goals:
1-0. Min.72. Miranda shoots the net a centre from Sosa from the corner.
2-0. Min.90. Diego Costa, with a penalty shot.
Referee: Clos Gómez, Aragón school. Booked Diego Costa (Min.52), Raúl García (Min.74) from Atlético. On Elche’s side, Sapunaru (Min.50), Coro (Min. 55), Ribera (Min.65) were booked. Sapunaru (Min.89) was sent off.
Events: Vicente Calderón Stadium. 34th round fixture of the BBVA Leage.
The match started very even between both teams, focusing their efforts on putting pressure on the ball’s exit from the top. The first chance of the match was Diego Costa’s who, after a pass from Adrián, could not score between the three posts. Atlético’s magic would follow soon. Filipe Luis, with subtlety, backheeled to Diego Costa, who dribbled two opponents to hand over a good ball to Tiago, which the Portuguese could not convert. Elche’s reply came with a corner kick, with a shot from Sapunaru, which Courtois’ reflexes stopped. David Villa would be the last to try, but the goal would not come and the goalless draw would be the result of the first 45 minutes.
Atlético shifted gears after going through the changing rooms. Raúl García, who substituted Adrián, caused a penalty by David Villa stopped by Manu Herrera. Far from being discouraged, Simeone’s team took over the match searching for a goal that didn’t want to show up. Diego Costa, tireless throughout the fixture, had on his heels the first one, however, luck abandonded him when he shot with his left leg at Elche’s goal. Diego Ribas also livened up from outside of the box although his shot had no consequences on the scoreboard.
The prized goal came hand-in-hand with the strategy. Precise centre from Sosa to Miranda’s head who, with a regal jump, scored the deserved 1-0. Elche tried to find Courtois’ goal but Atlético’s rear guard bordered perfection on each of their actions. Diego Costa, who warned with a stunning counter, decided the match soon after from the penalty spot. A party broke in the packed stands of a Vicente Calderón committed to the effort and courage of our players. One week more, Simeone’s team will continue in the highest position of the League.
