Celta: Yoel; Hugo Mallo, Cabral, Fontàs, Jonny Castro; Alex López, Oubiña, Krohn-Dehli (Madinda 73’); Orellana (Augusto Fernández 59’), Charles (Santi Mina 67’), Nolito. 4-3-3.
Atlético: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Alderweireld, Filipe Luis; Mario Suárez, Gabi; Raúl García, Diego Ribas (Cristian Rodríguez 73‘), Koke (José Sosa 59’); David Villa (Adrián 83’). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 62. Villa. Intercepted Jonny Castro back pass and fired shot inside near post.
0-2. 64. Villa. Controlled José Sosa centre and struck angled shot wide of Yoel.
Yellow cards: Gabi 07’, Charles 18’, Mario Suárez 30’, Miranda 66’.
Atlético Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s defeat earlier in the day to move a point above them in the table after Simeone’s side beat Celta 0-2 in the Balaidos stadium. The Galicians have one of the worst home records in the league, and although Alex López fired a long shot wide early on, Raúl García almost caught Yoel off his line with a shot from the half-way line a few minutes later. Alderweireld was lucky to be let off a penalty appeal for hands later in the first half, and Courtois saved from Charles with half time approaching, but Raúl García went close a couple of times after the restart, and Yoel did well to keep out Filipe Luis soon afterwards. With just over an hour gone however David Villa struck twice in as many minutes to wrap things up, the first after intercepting a bad back pass by Jonny Castro, and the second after collecting a cross from José Sosa. That was enough for a victory which takes Atleti to the top of the table overnight, ahead of city rivals Real Madrid on the direct head-to-head record pending their game against Levante on Sunday.