La Liga: Atlético 4 – 2 Almería

Atleti mantain their 100% record putting 4 past the Andalusians

Atlético Madrid continued their winning ways in La Liga so far this season with a convincing 4-2 victory over Almeria at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday afternoon.

Diego Simeone had left out some key names for the tie, including solid centre-back Miranda and winger Arda Turan. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of youngster Gimenez in the squad, a defender who had yet to play for Atlético.

Los Rojiblancos still managed to maintain their 100% record though, and go into Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Zenit St Petersburg looking deadly and full of confidence.

It did not take long for them to find the back of the net, and it was David Villa who opened the scoring with a fantastic left-foot volley in the 15th minute. He looks to have settled in brilliantly to life at the Calderon.

Never one to be outperformed, it was the Beast of the Manzanares, Diego Costa who doubled Atlético’s lead from the penalty spot ten minutes before half-time, after Filipe was brought down in the box by Pellerano.

Just when they were looking like strolling in with a two-goal cushion at half-time, Rodri pulled one back for the visitors three minutes later and Atleti did well to keep their composure going into the break.

Two quick-fire goals in the second half sealed the three points for Atlético. Tiago took centre stage first, slotting the ball home after an exquisite free-kick from Gabi, and after failing to make the most of any of his earlier chances, it was Raul Garcia who found the back of the net for the fourth just a couple of minutes later.

Raul Garcia was arguably the best player on the pitch for Atlético, and had enough chances to get himself a goal. He was eventually replaced by Adrian, who after a brilliant piece of play from Filipe on the left wing, should have made it five goals for Atleti. Oliver Torres also made another sub appearance, this time replacing Koke.

A late consolation from Aleix Vidal did little to dampen spirits, as Atlético take three points and move to the top of La Liga, albeit temporarily with Barcelona and Real Madrid set to play this evening.

A sign of concern for Atleti should be the two Almeria goals, which seemed to come from the visitors’ only two chances of the evening. With debutant Jose Gimenez making his first appearance at the back, Miranda’s solid presence was missed, and he will be welcomed back to the team with open arms when Atleti host Zenit in Madrid on Wednesday.

Who was YOUR man of the match? Let us know in the comments.