Smooth and slick
Griezmann’s winner help Atletico slip past Espanyol
MADRID: Antoine Griezmann was Atletico Madrid’s hero once more as he struck 17 minutes from time to snatch a 1-0 win away to Espanyol.
Atletico were outplayed for large spells and were also thankful to goalkeeper Jan Oblak as he made a brilliant save to deny Leo Baptistao salvaging a point for Espanyol on Saturday.
Victory restores Atletico’s threepoint lead over Sevilla in the fight for third place behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone made just one change from the side that booked their place in a third Champions League semi-final in four years after beating Leicester in midweek.
And their midweek exertions appeared to take their toll as neither side threatened before the break.
However, the introduction of Kevin Gameiro alongside Griezmann gave Atletico an added dimension for the final 25 minutes.
Diego Lopez made a fine save to prevent Gameiro turning home Saul Niguez’s knockdown.
However, the former Real Madrid stopper could have done better when Griezmann volleyed home his 25th goal of the season after latching onto Niguez’s deflected shot.
Baptistao should have levelled seconds later when he bore down on goal, but Oblak made himself big to register his eighth clean sheet in 11 games.
Simeone was full of praise for his players. “After midweek it was important to get the result here at a stadium where we always struggle,” Simeone said.
“Espanyol are a tough opponent, they work hard as a team and can hit you on the break.
“We have to keep doing what we do: defending well, working hard as a team and creating chances that allow us to win games.
“That’s our strength. It’s admirable what these players are doing. Granted, we can play a bit better – but the side won.”
Earlier, Villarreal moved back to within eight points of the top four in hugely controversial fashion as Cedric Bakambu punched home a stoppage time winner to cruelly deny Leganes.
Bakambu had put Villarreal in front before Miguel Angel Guerrero looked to have salvaged a vital point in Leganes’ battle to avoid the drop.
However, Bakambu struck again seconds later and the goal was allowed to stand despite the Congolese striker having clearly used his hand to turn home Jonathan dos Santos’ cross.
Leganes were, though, handed a let-off as Osasuna and Sporting Gijon drew 2-2 which does little to aid either side’s chances of beating the drop.
Gijon are now four points adrift of Leganes in 18th with Osasuna five points worse off at the bottom of the table.
Recio and Sandro Ramirez were on target as Malaga secured their place in La Liga for next season with a 2-0 win over Valencia.