Atletico Madrid have recorded a 2-0 victory against bottom-of-the-table Granada at the Vicente Calderon this evening to keep up with the chasing pack in La Liga.
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The hosts made a sluggish start to the contest, failing to find their feet in the opening stages and very nearly falling behind on 15 minutes when Piti's cross clipped the crossbar on its way through.
Atletico soon found their passing groove, however, although they were struggling to penetrate a resilient Granada backline as the first half wore on.
Piti proved to be a danger once more shortly after, creating some space inside the area before lofting in a cross which Miguel Moya did well to collect, but it was the champions who took the lead from the spot on the 35-minute mark.
Abdoul Sissoko was the guilty party as he brought down an opponent inside the area, and Mario Mandzukic made little mistake in converting the penalty to edge his side ahead.
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A rather slow second half saw both sides restricted in terms of clear-cut chances, and while the capital side continued to move through the motions, Granada were slowly beginning to cause problems in the final third.
They were unable to capitalise, however, with Raul Garcia turning home Arda Turan's cross two minutes from time to all but secure the points.
It proved to be enough for Atletico to return back to winning ways in the league following their defeat against Barcelona last time out, ensuring that they are now back within four points of leaders Real Madrid.
Granada on the other hand remain without a win in 15 La Liga games, struggling as they are at the foot of the division.
Daniel Lewis
