Summer signings Jackson Martínez and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco were both on target as their goal apiece cruised Atlético Madrid to a win against a strong Valencia side which moves Los Rojiblancos within two points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Atléti welcomed Valencia to the Vicente Calderón in a game where both teams needed the three points to keep within distance of league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia manager Nuno would have favoured his side’s chances having remained unbeaten against Diego Simone’s men last season following 3-1 win and 1-1 draw. Yet within the first half, Atléti had taken the lead following a defensive error by Mustafi and Aderllan Santos through Filipe Luís’ pass which Jackson Martínez took advantage of to fire in his second goal of the week and his first league goal since his strike against Sevilla late August.
The lead would soon be doubled within only minutes following a fast break and a terrific shot from outside the box by Belgium winger Ferreira-Carrasco to give Nuno and his side the first half they wouldn’t have expected. Following the break, Atléti came out with intent on extending their lead rather than sit back, with Antoine Griezmann, Martínez and Tiago all having chances to put the game to rest.
Both teams began inducing rough fouls as frustrations grew, with seven yellow cards featuring in the second half. The tough nature of the second half would come to give the away side a chance of getting back into the game following a penalty conceded by Diego Godín after he hauled down Mustafi inside the box. Substitute Paco Alcácer stood up to take responsibility and successfully converted from the spot to give Valencia a glimpse of hope.
However, rather than threaten further and grab an equaliser, it was the home side that continued to push for another goal, with Fernando Torres and Tiago’s efforts putting pressure on Jaume Doménech in goals. Atléti would hold on to win an important fixture that keeps them within distance of rivals and leaders Real and Barca, while the loss for Valencia sees them disappointingly occupy ninth spot and nine points adrift of the league leaders.
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