Griezmann and Carrasco light up Balaidos

Augusto return

Former Celta captain Augusto returned to face his ex-team mates and fans less than two weeks after being given an emotional send off at Balaidos. Atletico coach Diego Simeone included the Argentine midfielder in his starting line-up and he settled quickly into his role.

Augusto played Antoine Griezmann through on goal with a long ball over the top after only six minutes, but the Frenchman was unable to finish off the move.

Atletico pressure

As the first half developed Atletico took control, combining well and causing Celta problems, despite a rain-soaked pitch. Griezmann was playing up front with Luciano Vietto and had the best chance of the half. He played a one-two with Koke on the edge of the area after 34 minutes but blazed his chance over the bar.

Glorious Griezmann

Atletico achieved the break-through four minutes into the second half when their leading scorer conjured a superb opener.

60' | 0-1 | @LucianoVietto and @AntoGriezmann created Atlético's goal together. Outstanding! #CeltaAtleti #GoAtleti pic.twitter.com/taMQQdlQLk

— Atleti English (@atletienglish) January 10, 2016

The Frenchman laid off a ball to Vietto with his heel as the Argentine raced into the area, while he spun away to the back post. Vietto squared across the goal and Griezmann slotted home his 10th of the season.

Carrasco stifles Celta reaction

Eduardo Berizzo’s men took the game to Atletico finally putting pressure on Jan Oblak’s goal under a downpour, but they inevitably left spaces at the back.

Simeone had thrown on Yannick Carrasco for Augusto and the Belgian sealed the win with 10 minutes remaining. A long punt forward from Oblak was knocked down and Carrasco raced into the area, beating two defenders, and fired wide of Sergio Alvarez for his third of the season.

First place

Atletico finished the first half of the season on top of the standings, two points ahead of FC Barcelona who have a game in hand, after a third successive win without conceding. Fifth-placed Celta continued to lose touch with the Champions League places after a third consecutive defeat.