Diego Costa is the difference

Club Atlético de Madrid remain in the title fight with Real Madrid CF after beating RCD Espanyol 1-0 courtesy of a Diego Costa goal early on in the second half.

Neither side dominated the opening 45 minutes. Both teams were well organised and looked to make the most of their chances, however, neither was able to break the deadlock. The away team’s goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, made two important saves to deny David Villa and Filipe Luis, while Thibaut Courtois kept a Sergio García effort from going in.

After an extremely tight first half, the Red and Whites took the lead through Diego Costa after the break. Diego Simeone’s no. 19 used his pace to unlock the Catalans’ defence and make it 1-0 in the 55th minute. The goal was enough to give the Madrid side its 21st Liga BBVA victory of the season. Atleti remain second in the table just three points behind Real Madrid, while Espanyol lie in mid table.