Osasuna 0-1 Atletico Madrid Simeones men
Saul Niguez scored the only goal of the game as Atletico Madrid responded to their Copa del Rey elimination with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Osasuna that maintained their grip on LaLigas top four.Diego Simeones side suffered a 3-1 extra-time lo s to Real Madrid in the Copa quarter-finals on Thursday and were far from their best three days laterGiovanny Gallegos Jersey at El Sadar.Jan Oblak had to keep Osasuna at bay in the second half, before substitute Sauls calm 74th-minute finish proved the difference as Atletico recorded a much-needed triumph.Victory moved Harrison Bader JerseyAtletico three points clear of Villarreal and Real Betis in fifth and sixth respectively, while Simeones side trail Real Sociedadwho play Real Madrid later on Sundayby four. An offside flag rendered Oblaks impre sive 23rd-minute save against Chimy Avila redundant before Jose Gimenez headed over a presentable chance from Antoine Griezmanns in-swinging corner at the other end.Aitor Fernandez repelled Griezmann from close range after a scramble inside the area, though neither side impre sed during an otherwise drab first half.Griezmann forced another smart Fernandez stop with a low drive immediately after the interval, while Avila headed David Garcias deep right-wing cro s narrowly over.Oblak expertly denied Moi Gomezs back-post half-volley just past the hour, and that save proved pivotal when Saul raced onto Rodrigo De Pauls throughball to find the bottom-rightRoger Maris Jersey corner and secure victory.What does it mean? Warning signs for Atletico despite victoryAtletico found a way past one of their favourite opponents in the end, but Los Colchoneros first-half performance was particularly lacklustre, managing just one shot on target.They have now won on five straight LaLiga visits to Osasuna, Ozzie Smith Jerseyyet the first-half warning signs regarding their lack of creativity should still be heeded by Simeone, whose side are yet to find any real form after the World Cup break.Lively Griezmann shines for lifele s AtleticoGriezmann has been the standout performer for an otherwise uninspiring Atletico this season, having been involved in nine of his sides last 13 league goals before this game.The forward was smartly denied by Fernandez on three occasions among his game-high six shots, while he created two chances in another impre sive display.Correa underwhelmsWhile strike partner Griezmann dictated proceedings, Angel Correa was something of a spectator up top for the visitors.The World Cup winner managed just 14 pa ses and 22 touchesthe fewest of any Atletico outfield starterbefore his 65th-minute removal for Alvaro Morata.Whats next?AtleticoMatt Wieters Jersey are at home to Getafe on Saturday, when Osasuna visit Espanyol.
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