Atlético stand firm against Elche

Atlético Madrid claimed a hard-fought 0-2 victory over Elche CF in an encounter that opened matchday 14 of the Liga BBVA. José María Giménez and Mario Mandžukić were the scorers in the club's tenth win of the season.

It was a very tight, tactical game in the first 45 minutes of play. The Madrid side went out onto the field looking to control the match against an Alicante side who sat back and waited for their chance.

But the opportunity fell to the Rojiblancos and they took their chance to take the lead. Good triangulation between Koke, Arda and Giménez finished with a sensational strike from the Uruguayan that went in Przemysław Tytoń's top corner.

Elche went out with more intent than their opposition and set the pace in the encounter, but they were unable to threaten Moyá’s goal. At their second opportunity, Atlético de Madrid extended their lead through Mario Mandžukić and virtually sealed the match.

With more purpose than chances, Fran Escribrá's men attempted to strike back, but Coro's speed and the quality of Jonathas were not enough to turn the game around. In the end, Atlético defended their lead and claimed the three points at the Martínez Valero against an Elche who fought to break down a solid Rojiblanco side but remain in nineteenth place.