A hard-fought win over Deportivo

Another win for Atlético Madrid who, in matchday 13 of Liga BBVA, defeated RC Deportivo on Sunday. The 2-0 scoreline leaves the Galician outfit in the relegation zone, while Atlético move up to second in the table.

The defensive solidity shown by Víctor Fernández's charges, and in particular their reading of the game, made things uncomfortable for the home side, who stepped out onto the pitch full of energy but lacking a cutting edge, struggling to keep possession. However, Atlético were able to call on their offensive weapon of set pieces just before the break. Mario Mandžukić met a Koke Resurreción free-kick at the front post, flicking the ball into the path of Saúl Ñíguez, who finished from inside the six-yard box to bring a sense of calm over the Vicente Calderón. 

After the break, Diego Pablo Simeone’s men came out determined to seal the victory. It took only 10 minutes for Arda Turan to make it 2-0 to the side from the capital and make life easier for Atlético. Although Deportivo tried late on through efforts from Atleti old-boy Toché and Sidnei da Silva, it was the home side that took the spoils.