Atletico struggled to assert their dominance in the early stages as Bilbao started the game confidently, before breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute.

A dangerous ball into the box from Markel Susaeta's free kick caught the Atletico defence out of position, and Mikel Rico took advantage to head home.

Athletic Bilbao's midfielder Mikel Rico celebrates with teammates Athletic Bilbao's forward Iker Muniain and Athletic Bilbao's defender Mikel Balenziaga during the Spanish league football match Athletic Club Bilbao vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the San Ma © Getty Images

Chances were rare in a first half which failed to bring out the best in the champions, and Bilbao almost doubled their lead when Diego Godin failed to stop Aritz Aduriz, whose hesitancy in the box allowed Juanfran to make a vital tackle.

However, Diego Simeone saw a reaction after the break as Atletico equalised within 30 seconds of the restart when Griezmann headed home from Juanfran's cross.

Atletico were gifted the chance to take the lead seven minutes later when Mikel San Jose was adjudged to have fouled Tiago inside the box.

Bilbao's players angrily protested the decision, but the referee ignored their appeals as Raul Garcia slotted home from the penalty spot.

Aduriz was then once again guilty of being wasteful in front of goal when Miguel Angel Moya pushed away his low strike.

However, Griezmann extended Atletico's lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after being picked out by Gabi.

It was the Frenchman who wrapped up the win late on as he completed his hat-trick by tapping the ball into an empty net after Arda Turan had miscued his effort in the box.