Goals from Atléti’s second-half substitutes ensured a return to the Spanish capital with a vital three points for Diego Simeone’s men.
Los Rojiblancos returned to winning ways in La Liga after they suffered a 2-1 loss against Barcelona last week, however, it did not come easy as Eibar, who themselves have started the season brightly, were determined to avoid defeat against a side who had European commitments midweek.
The Hosts only managed a draw in the previous game against a struggling Malaga side and were looking get back in the winners column themselves. Eibar manager Mendilibar opted not to change the starting XI and maintain his 4-2-3-1 formation, openly expressing his dislike for rotations and instead trusted the players that have won two and one draw to the start off the campaign.
Simeone decided to make changes to the side that triumphed against Galatasaray in the Champions League by firstly switching from his preferred 4-4-2 to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation. Filipe Luís returned to the side and replaced Guilherme Siqueira, Gabi returned came in at the expense of youngster Saúl Ñíguez, while Jackson Martínez and Luciano Vietto continued their run in the first team, partnering Antoine Griezmann in front three.
Eibar provided a tough defense that was hard for the visitors to breakdown, particularly the first-half. Martínez had a golden opportunity to open the scoring, however, he missed in front of goal. This would represent Atléti’s attack for far this campaign, with the connection between Martínez and Vietto clearly not working.
Simeone decided to make changes to bring the best out of his team and significantly, Griezmann, by bringing on Fernando Torres, Óliver Torres and Ángel Correa. The experienced Spaniard changed the game and brought Atléti into life, assisting for the opening goal, with Correa’s powerful strike too much for Asier Riesgo to keep out. Correa would then to turn to provider and return the favour to Torres, generating the experienced striker’s brilliant clipped finish, securing the three points and sending Atléti within one reach of league leaders Real Madrid.
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