Valencia: Guaita; Joao Pereira, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu, Gayà; Javi Fuego, Dani Parejo (Vargas 53’); Barragán (Feghouli 61’), Jonas (Fede 81‘), Piatti; Paco Alcácer. 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe Luis; Raúl García (Sosa 68’, Alderweireld 92’), Gabi, Tiago, Koke; David Villa (Arda Turan 59’), Diego Costa. 4-4-2.
Goals:
0-1. 43. Raúl García. Got in front of Guaita to head long Gabi centre in to net.
Yellow cards: Jonas 36’, Godin 70’, Javi Fuego 84’, Vargas 89’ / red cards: Juanfran 91’.
Atlético Madrid are a step closer to a first league title in 18 years after beating Valencia 0-1 on Sunday afternoon. This was probably the most difficult game they had left in the run in to the end of the season, especially as Simeone’s side are in the middle of a grueling Champions League semi-final with Chelsea. The Ches are also involved in a Europa League semi-final with Sevilla though, and with an outside chance still of making it in to the top seven they got off to a good start, Paco Alcácer firing a shot just wide early on. Villa and Koke went close at the other end however as Atleti started to wrest control from their hosts, and some three minutes before the break Raúl García got in front of the stranded Guaita to head a long Gabi free kick in to the net. Guaita made up for his mistake with two top class saves from Diego Costa after the interval, Jonas having a header blocked by Filipe Luis and Feghouli shooting inches wide of the post in reply. With the game in injury time Juanfran got himself sent off for bringing down Piatti from behind as he advanced on goal, but the final whistle went soon afterwards. A vital victory for Atleti, and if they win their next two fixtures against Levante (away) and Málaga (at home) they will be champions, irrespective of the outcome of their last game in the Nou Camp.