Atlético: Oblak; Juanfran, Giménez, Godín, Filipe Luis; Saúl Ñíguez, Tiago (Carrasco 33‘); Oliver Torres (Fernando Torres 75‘), Griezmann, Koke; Vietto (Thomas 57’). 4-2-3-1.
Espanyol: Pau López; Javi López, Alvaro González, Enzo Roco, Fuentes; Abraham (Gerard Moreno 58’), Pape Diop (Cañas 55‘); Hernán Pérez, Marco Asensio, Víctor Alvarez (Mamadou Sylla 82’); Caicedo. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 03. Griezmann. Got in front of marker to turn Oliver centre across keeper.
Yellow cards: Alvaro 39’, Diop 43’, Javi López 84’, Fuentes 94’.
Atlético Madrid consolidated second spot with a 1-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday evening, their third single-goal victory in a row keeping them four points behind leaders Barcelona. Griezmann followed up his midweek brace with the only goal in the third minute, the French striker turning a shot under the legs of his marker and inside the far post following good work by Oliver Torres, one of several changes to the line-up. There was bad news for Simeone when Tiago was carried off with a broken leg after clattering in to Marco Asensio, but Atleti kept up the pressure, Juanfran and Filipe Luis going close either side of half time. The Catalans hardly had a shot at goal all night, and the scoreline could have been bigger in the end, Godín and Fernando Torres hitting the woodwork and Pau López making first class saves from Oliver Torres and Thomas near the end.