Atletico Madrid welcomed Valencia to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday looking to move level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes, with the two sides entering the interval on terms.
Atletico improved in the second half, however, and collected all the points courtesy of a brace from Diego Costa and smart finish from Raul Garcia.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Valencia in arguably the game of the weekend. The home side have lost just once in all competitions this season and would move level on points with leaders Barcelona should they collect the three points this evening.
Valencia, meanwhile, have won two of their last three games in all competitions, but a disappointing start to the season has left them in ninth position in the table. They have struggled on the road this season with four defeats from their seven matches, while Atletico have won each of their seven league matches on their own patch thus far.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won two of the last five fixtures, with Valencia winning once and the further two ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Valencia were 2-0 winners on their own patch when they welcomed Atletico in November 2012.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe; Koke, Gabi, Tiago; Turan, Costa, Villa
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, Ruiz, Mathieu, Guardado; Parejo, Oriol; Feghouli, Canales, Bernat; Jonas
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Atletico XI this evening with Diego Costa, David Villa and Arda Turan all named in attack. Meanwhile, Tiago starts in midfield. Valencia name Jonas as their lone striker, meaning that Paco Alcacer starts on the bench. Right, the home side get the first period underway.
Bright start from Atletico as Koke breaks down the right before delivering a deep cross into the Valencia box, but Alves is on hand to watch it move over the crossbar. Not quite a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a sensational atmosphere. The home supporters expect their side to win matches in this stadium there is no question about that.
Good pressure from Valencia as Jonas delivers a dangerous corner into the Atletico box, but the move breaks down when Parejo turns past the post from outside the area. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from the home side at the moment with Valencia enjoying their share of possession at the Vicente Calderon.
It has been an extremely positive start from Valencia with the likes of Romeu, Parejo and Jonas enjoying possession of the ball. The latter attempts to force one towards Feghouli moments later, but Miranda is across to make the challenge. Just a reminder that three points for Atletico this evening would move them level with Barcelona at the top of the table.
Atletico want a penalty as Mathieu appears to fell Costa inside the area, but the referee is not interested. Valencia break down the other end with Bernat, but Atletico regain possession when Canales's cross is cleared by Godin. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening eight minutes, but plenty happening in the middle of the park.
Just a few signs that Atletico are starting to warm to their task with Koke and Gabi enjoying possession in the middle of the park, but we have seen little from the likes of Costa and Villa in the opening 10 minutes in the Spanish capital. Valencia, in terms of possession at least, have shaded the early exchanges here.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Costa drives past three defenders before rolling a low cross into the box, but Valencia just manage to scramble clear at the vital moment with Villa and Turan both hovering inside the area. Moments later, Romeu collects the first yellow card of the match for a poor challenge on Costa.
Atletico have the chance to threaten from a free kick, but the offside flag is raised following a deep delivery from Tiago. Not too much from Valencia as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but they are committing players each time they gain possession. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in Madrid.
Another penalty shout from the home supporters as Luis's cross appears to strike the arm of Barragan, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Atletico do gain a free kick moments later, which is played short before Valencia get men behind the ball and ultimately sniff out the danger.
Valencia are just struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment with Atletico forcing the issue in the final third. As expected, Simeone's side are full of energy in the middle of the park. Costa continues to embark on a series of runs, but there has been no end product from the Brazilian-born striker thus far.
Well, 22 minutes played at the Vicente Calderon and in truth, not much has happened. Valencia have been compact in defensive areas, while Atletico have not really found their passing range in the final third. However, this is the type of match that they need to win if they are to seriously challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the league title this season.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with a Valencia move breaking down when Jonas attempts to find the run of Canales. Atletico are down the other end moments later, but Costa's cross is cleared by Mathieu. Still no clear opportunities for either side, but there is a good tempo and intensity.
Dukic will certainly be the happier of the two managers at this stage of proceedings, but Simeone will want more from his attacking players. Bernat threatens the Atletico box with a deep cross towards Jonas, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
Sustained period of pressure from Atletico in the last couple of moments as Costa causes problems with his presence inside the box. Mathieu is forced to concede a corner, but the resulting set piece is headed clear by his centre-back partner Ruiz. It would certainly settle those inside the stadium if Atletico could open the deadlock before the interval.
Courtois is forced to make his first save of the evening as Bernat finds some space inside the Atletico box, but his effort is straight at the Belgium international. Atletico break down the other end with Villa moments later, but the Spaniard is ruled offside. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Vicente Calderon.
Couple of half-chances for Atletico in quick succession as Koke delivers a low cross into the Valencia box, but Costa cannot make a connection at the vital moment. Parejo's loose pass then presents the ball straight to Gabi, but the Spaniard is forced away from goal. The pressure is just starting to build as the first period enters its latter stages.
Costa combines with Villa on the edge of the Valencia box, but the move breaks down when the latter is challenged by Mathieu, who is skippering Valencia this evening. Villa finds Costa moments later, but once more Mathieu comes across to clear. Impressive performance from the French centre-back thus far.
It is just over 500 minutes since Atletico last conceded a league goal in this stadium. What an incredible record. They are yet to find the back of the Valencia net this evening, however, despite their best efforts. Villa has a half-chance as he meets a low cross from Luis, but the Spaniard lifts his effort over the bar.
Valencia continue to threaten in the Atletico half as Guardado delivers a low cross into the box, but Miranda is on hand to make the clearance. Atletico break down the other end with Turan, but the Turkish international cannot find a teammate inside the box. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
The home supporters are not too pleased with what they have seen from their side this evening, but credit must be given to Valencia, who have been impressive from back to front thus far. Bernat delivers a low cross into the Atletico box, but once more Miranda is on hand to deal with the danger. Still goalless.
It will come as no surprise that Costa has been booked in the latter stages of the half following a clash with Parejo, who is also handed a card. It has been a frustrating half for the striker.
HALF TIME: Atletico Madrid 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. On paper, it looked to be the game of the weekend, but matters on the field have not lived up to that billing thus far. It has been a half of few chances in the Spanish capital, with Valencia arguably the better side.
STATISTICS: Valencia have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but they have not managed a single attempt thus far. Atletico have had two attempts, but neither have been on target, which is an indication of the first half in Madrid. There have been five yellow cards, however, with the referee keen to stamp his authority each time a late challenge is made.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Raul Garcia, Christian Rodriguez, Oliver Torres and Adrian Lopez. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Pablo Piatti, Ever Banega, Dorlon Pabon and Paco Alcacer in reserve. Surely changes will be made in the second period.
Just a reminder that three points for Atletico would move them level with Barcelona at the top of the table. Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval as Valencia get the second 45 minutes underway. Let's hope for an improvement in the final third.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. Especially if Atletico take the lead with their incredible defensive record in this stadium. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes in the second period, with Valencia carrying their tempo from the first half into the second 45 minutes.
Half-chance for Atletico as Turan shakes off the challenge of Barragan down the left before delivering a cross towards the near post, but Alves is on hand to collect. Costa has a strike on goal moments later, but once more Alves is on hand to make the save. Much better from Atletico in the last couple of minutes.
Half-chance for Canales as the Valencia midfielder collects possession outside the Atletico box, but his effort just curls wide of the post. The counter attack from the away side followed a period of extended Atletico possession, which broke down when Costa tried to dummy for Villa, only for Romeu to clear the danger.
Atletico have not played well this evening, but no team can play at their best all the time. They have to find a way to win this match. Valencia are making it very difficult, however, with numbers in defence. Turan has a half-chance as he strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of Alves's crossbar.
Opportunity for Atletico to threaten from a free kick just outside the Valencia box. The set piece is played short to Koke on the edge of the area, but his effort is blocked by a number of white shirts. Luis delivers a deep cross into the box moments later, but Mathieu manages to clear behind his own goal. Still goalless with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Miranda drives a low cross into the Valencia box, but there are no takers, despite Villa and Turan both in close proximity. The tempo is just starting to rise as the second period continues to gather pace. Can Valencia weather the storm?
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Valencia (Costa)
Atletico take the lead just before the hour mark as Costa drives into the Valencia box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. That is his 20th goal of the season.
It just had to be Costa didn't it? He has been the saviour for Atletico on so many occasions this season. Valencia respond with a change as Jonas is replaced by Alcacer, who will provide pace and movement in the final third. Valencia will be expected to come out as the second period continues to gather pace.
Atletico make their first change moments later as Garcia replaces Villa, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Both sides introducing fresh legs for the final 30 minutes of this match. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would move them level on points with Barcelona at the top.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia (Garcia)
Well, that is some introduction! Garcia has not been on the field for long, but he has found the back of the net after meeting a low cross from Juanfran inside the box. That is his 10th goal of the season. Some return from a central midfield player.
Costa is proving a real handful at the moment as Ruiz is forced to foul the Brazilian-born forward, who had him turned. Valencia make their second change moments later as Pabon replaces Feghouli. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Atletico could move top of the table with a couple more goals.
Atletico have not conceded a home goal in the league since the beginning of October. Just sensational. If Valencia are to take something from this match, they need to score twice in the final 20 minutes. Turan has an effort from close range moments later, but Pabon is across to make a fine challenge.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Atletico more than happy to keep hold of the possession in their own half. Valencia have defended well this evening, but have had just one attempt on target. Costa goes down inside the Valencia box moments later, but the referee is not interested.
Half-chance for Valencia as Canales finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The home supporters are in fine voice at the moment as their side continue to force the issue in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening with the intensity on display from Diego Simeone's side.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded a penalty as Ruiz fells Costa inside the penalty area. Costa with the chance to score his second.
SAVE! Alves stands firm to make the save, with Costa's effort straight down the middle. Groans around the stadium!
Valencia make their third and final change as Piatti replaces Guardado. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining, with Atletico leading 2-0. The pressure continues to grow from the home side, however, as they deliver cross after cross into the area. Can Costa make amends for his missed penalty?
Atletico need to score twice in the final 10 minutes to move ahead of Barcelona in the league table, but as it stands, they would be level on points with the Catalan outfit. If you had offered that situation to Simeone at the start of the season, he would have taken it there is no question about that. It has been some start to the campaign for the capital outfit.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Turan strikes one from outside the box, but it takes a deflection before moving behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Turan, but Romeu is on hand to clear the danger. One goal for Valencia would certainly unsettle those inside the stadium.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded another penalty as Ruiz pulls Costa to the ground inside the box. Can he make amends?!
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 3-0 Valencia (Costa, pen)
This time Costa does find the back of the net with a powerful penalty into the top corner. Atletico are now equal with Barcelona at the top of the table. One more goal would move them top.
Simeone calls for the fans to raise their voices as Atletico push for that goal that would move them top of the table. Valencia just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as the pressure continues to grow. The home side have been just wonderful in the second period after struggling for much of the first.
Atletico make their second change of the match as Adrian Lopez replaces Turan. Diego Simeone wants this fourth goal there is no question about that. Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to make their voices known. Koke is down the left moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Alves.
Juanfran takes a nasty one from his fellow centre-back Miranda, who kicks his teammate straight in the ribs in a high challenge. However, the right-back does return to action following a period of treatment. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Atletico remain in complete control.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Valencia putting men behind the ball. However, Atletico continue to force the issue with a series of corners in quick succession.
It does not appear that Atletico will get the fourth, which would have moved them top of the table, but they will move level on points with leaders Barcelona and will boast the same goal difference, which is quite incredible. Pabon has an effort from outside the box for Valencia, but it is high and wide of the target.
FULL TIME: Atletico Madrid 3-0 Valencia
So there we have it. Atletico continue their incredible home form with a 3-0 win over Valencia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow evening for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
