Almería: Esteban; Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azeez; Aleix Vidal, Soriano (Helder Barbosa 57’), Suso (Corona 89’); Jonathan Zongo (Oscar Díaz 92’). 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Aranzubia; Manquillo, Miranda, Godín, Juanfran; Tiago (Mario Suárez 66’), Gabi; Raúl García (Adrián 77’), Diego Ribas (Sosa 67’), Arda Turan; Diego Costa. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 80. Verza. Centre-come-shot from left wing which went over head of keeper.
2-0. 86. Verza (penalty). Beat Gabi after Aranzubia was sent off for foul on Zongo.
Yellow cards: Diego 22’, Soriano 42’, Raúl García 54’, Suso 57’ / red cards: Aranzubia 84’.
Atlético Madrid are off the top of the table after a surprise 2-0 defeat at Almería in the last match on Saturday evening! Looking to bounce back from their midweek cup defeat at Real Madrid, the visitors dominated the first half, Diego going close a couple of times and Diego Costa and Manquillo having penalty appeals turned down by referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes. Juanfran was also let off a penalty though when the ball hit him on the arm, and with a quarter of an hour to go a shot by Aleix Vidal beating Aranzubia before hitting both posts before bouncing clear. The reserve keeper was making his first league appearance of the season in place of the injured Courtois, and with ten minutes to go he was unable to keep out a speculative cross from Verza which flew over his head in to the net. Five minutes later the referee showed him a red card and awarded a controversial penalty after he scrambled back to recover the ball from Zongo, and with all three changes made, Gabi had to take over in goal. Verza coolly stepped up to convert the spot kick though for a much needed win which takes the East coast side away from the danger zone. Atlético drop below city rivals Real Madrid on goal difference though, and they could be down to third if Barcelona win at Sevilla tomorrow.