The strikers scored from 12 yards in each half to
secure maximum points for the visitors despite
Ighalo's late consolation, with the hosts left to rue
their profligacy in front of goal as they suffered a
second consecutive home defeat in La Liga.
No team in Spain's top flight has scored fewer
goals than Granada, but they began the match by
far the more threatening of the two sides, with
Manuel Iturra in particular causing problems for
Diego Godin and Co.
Once again though, Granada couldn't turn
possession into goals, and late on in the second
half it was a clumsy challenge from captain Diego
Mainz on Villa which gave Costa the chance to
open the scoring, and the striker - who this week
affirmed his desire to play for Spain - duly buried
the spot-kick.
From that point, Atletico seized control of the game
and mid-way through the second half made their
pressure tell. A swift counterattack led to another
trip on Villa , and the veteran striker made no
mistake as he converted the penalty.
Granada mounted a late assault on goal after Filipe
Luis was sent off for a second yellow card, and
Odion Ighalo turned home a cross as the clock
ticked over into stoppage time, but ultimately to no
avail.
Tempers flared after the final whistle as Costa
tangled with Iturra as the teams departed the pitch,
but Atletico's 10th win in 11 games is all that will
matter to Diego Simeone, as his side moved back
Comments
Post a Comment