Atletico storm back to winning ways at Calderon

Changed sides

Atletico had three changes from their standard defensive lineup with Felipe Luis, Diego Godin and Juanfran all suspended and replaced by youth team player Lucas Hernandez, midfielder Saul Niguez and Jesus Gamez. Eibar were also missing influential players with leading scorer Borja Baston unable to play due to a clause in his loan deal from the hosts.

Eibar take the lead

Just after the re-start, Saul stumbled over the ball as the last-man back and Eibar’s Keko was quick to pounce on the mistake. The former Atletico youth academy player advanced to the edge of the area and fired past Jan Oblak to put the visitors ahead.

Corner routines

Atletico turned the game round with set-pieces. A corner was swung into six-yard box and defender Jose Maria Gimenez came flying in to power a header under the bar. It was the Uruguayan’s first goal of the season.

At a second corner soon after, Atletico took the lead when Koke swung in the cross and this time it was Saul who rose to head goalwards and Asier Riesgo was unable to keep the ball out. Saul’s celebration showed his relief at having made up for his earlier error. It was his second of the campaign.

Torres 100

Atletico coach Diego Simeone threw on Fernando Torres for the last half hour and in the final minute the Spanish international struck the third. Fellow-substitute Luciano Vietto crossed low from the left, and Torres tapped in to score his 100th goal in an Atletico shirt.

Atletico back on track

After four games without a win between the Copa del Rey and the Liga BBVA, Atletico returned to winning ways and moved level on points at the top of the standings with FC Barcelona, who do not play against Levante UD until Sunday. For Eibar, it was a third consecutive defeat.