Atlético got all three points from trip to Vitoria after beating Alavés with a kick-spot scored by Kevin Gameiro. It was a hard task to break the deadlock against a strong side that recently saved their place on Spanish Top-flight for the next season.

After a competitive first half with not many chances the action raised up on the second with a shot to the woodwork by Vitolo, a penalty saved to Fernando Torres by sub keeper Pacheco and a second kick-spot scored by Gameiro after a hand-ball by Wasako deflecting a Torres shot. The Red-and-whites played the full 90 minutes of the game up-front sharing the attacking line with Costa. Next stop, the mouthwatering second leg vs Arsenal on Thursday night at Metropolitano stadium. -Liga Santander Table-

Atlético dominated the match and had the best chances during the 90 minutes. Diego Costa, Vitolo, Fernando Torres and Diego Godín had our best chances of the afternoon and finally Kevin Gameiro scored in the 77th minute.

The lads knew how difficult the match in the Basque Country was going to be and Alavés played very well. However, Atleti kept insisting and creating chances.

Visitors had four good chances in the first half, but the ball didn't want to go in. In the second half, Godín and Gameiro came on the pitch and added some depth to our play.

First, Vitolo had a wonderful chance to score, but his shot hit the post. Moments later, Torres took a penalty but Pacheco flew to save it.

In the final stretch of the match, the referee blew another whistle and Gameiro ended up smashing the ball into the back of the net to give Atlético the win.


- Match stats:

Alavés: Sivera (Pacheco, 63’); Alexis, Laguardia, Maripán, Adrián Diéguez; Sobrino, Pina, Wakaso (Manu García. 79’), Pedraza; Munir and Guidetti (Ibai Gómez, 72’).

Atlético de Madrid: Werner; Thomas, Savic, Lucas, Vrsaljko; Correa, Gabi, Koke (Godín, 63’), Vitolo; Fernando Torres and Diego Costa (Gameiro, 63’).

Bookings: Fernández Borbalán (Andalusian comitee) sent-off Correa (94’) and booked Laguardia (17’), Pedraza (20’), Sobrino (45’), Wakaso (78’); Lucas (36’), Diego Costa (45’), Gabi (68’), Fernando Torres (90’).

Goals:

0-1 (78’) Gameiro (p).

- Match report by fernando9torres.com / atléticodemadrid.com