Atlético Madrid enjoyed a successful dress rehearsal before the Champions League match against FC Bayern next Tuesday. On Saturday, the Spanish deservedly defeated their league rivals Valencia, but were still a little lucky to win 1-0, stretching their unbeaten run in La Liga to 25 games. Diego Simeone's side also missed out on the top spot in La Liga by a whisker, and are now behind leaders Real Sociedad San Sebastian (23 points, 21:4 GF:GA) having scored less goals - although Atlético (23 points, 19:2 GF:GA) have a game in hand.
The defensive bastions of La Liga
Los Rojiblancos dominated the game in Valencia and had the better chances over the 90 minutes. In the end, however, it took an own goal from Valencia's Toni Lato (79th minute), who unluckily steered the ball into his own net after a crisp cross from Yannick Carrasco to earn Atlético three points. At the back, the best defence in Spain's top flight (just two goals conceded) was as stable as ever, keeping a clean sheet for the seventh time in nine league games this season.
How Atlético lined up: Oblak – Savić, Giménez, Hermosso – Trippier, Koke, Saúl, Renana Lodi – Llorente, Lemar – Correa
Bayern also celebrated a win in the league before the clash in the UEFA Champions League. Read the match report here:
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