Arda Turan’s sole strike was the difference between Atletico and a resilient Granada, as the visitors managed to keep within 3 points of league leaders, Barcelona.
2nd placed Atletico Madrid had some task at their hands, when they travelled to Granada for their La Liga encounter on Sunday night.
Los Rojiblancos found themselves 6 points behind table toppers Barcelona, and were under the pressure of delivering, in order to keep up with the pace of the Catalans.
The match started with the home side dominating the early possession and had some neat exchanges, as El Grana looked good value at their home.
Arabi and Siqueira had the opportunities to put Granada in front within the first 10 minutes but their chances went begging. However, it was Mikel Roco who came closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts, but the in-form Atletico keeper, Thibaut Courtois,
saved his forceful effort.
On the other end of the pitch, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Miranda-c25988 thought that he had given Atletico the lead, but his close range header sailed the bar from inches over.
The home side were still comfortable in possession after the interval but, as football promises so many surprises, Atletico scored the only goal of the game totally against the run of play.
Just after 60 minutes on the clock, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Koke-c21262 crossed in for Arda Turan at the far post, and the Turkish international tapped in to give Atleti a surprise lead.
Things however went bad for the visitors as Mario Suarez was given his marching orders after a deliberate handball. It was his second bookable offence and he had to leave for an early shower.
Atletico however managed to guard their feeble lead in the game, and ran out 1-0 winners come the final whistle.
The final whistle was music to the ears of Atleti players, as they gained another 3 valuable points on the road, and kept their title charge on course.
With the much needed win, Atletico maintain their second spot in the league and are just 3 points behind currently first, Barcelona. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 had earlier won 3-1 against Zaragoza to open up a potential 6 point gap over the Rojiblancos.
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