..::Football III::..

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Newcastle 3-3 Crystal Palace: Zaha rescues late point on Warnock debut

Wilfried Zaha’s injury-time equaliser capped a thrilling 3-3 draw between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.

Dwight Gayle’s goal inside the opening minute handed Neil Warnock the perfect start to his second stint in charge at Palace but Newcastle were level before the break through Daryl Janmaat’s effort.

Jason Puncheon put Palace back in front three minutes after half-time but 18-year-old midfielder Rolando Aarons pulled Alan Pardew’s men level.

Mike Williamson looked to have secured three points for Newcastle with his goal two minutes before injury time but Zaha, who completed his loan move from Manchester United earlier this week, netted late on to secure Palace’s first point of the new season.

Palace began with confidence and scored after just 30 seconds when Gayle slotted past a stranded Tim Krul from point-blank range after the Dutch goalkeeper had done well to tip Marouane Chamakh's effort on to his left-hand post.

Newcastle failed to mount a response after that early setback and instead it was Palace that came close to adding a second, Puncheon lashing over the bar at the near post after more good build-up play from the visitors.

The hosts did slowly begin to mount pressure as they dominated possession, and Pardew's side found the leveller eight minutes before half-time when Janmaat scuffed beyond Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni after seeing his initial effort blocked.

Palace replicated their fast start to the first half in the second, with Puncheon - named in Warnock's starting side despite the pair having a public spat earlier in the year - proving his worth in spectacular fashion.

The winger was afforded the time to control the ball in the area by the Newcastle defence and unleashed an acrobatic volley into the bottom corner.

Yoan Gouffran was then denied a leveller by Speroni before Zaha - brought on for the injured Gayle - was thwarted by Krul.

Substitute Aarons headed in to equalise with 17 minutes remaining after Palace had failed to clear Remy Cabella's corner, and the game looked set to end in heartbreak for Palace when Williamson scored in the 88th minute.

But Zaha, who had already had one goal disallowed for offside, had the final say as he capitalised on sloppy Newcastle defending.

 

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Zaha 1st match 1kema goal 1kak score karala​

 

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Inzaghi: I checked Torres move with Mourinho

Filippo Inzaghi has claimed that he had words with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho before AC Milan made a move for Fernando Torres.

The Spain international was an indisputable flop at Stamford Bridge following his then-British record transfer from Liverpool and the new San Siro coach was concerned that it might be because of a mentality issue.

However, the Portuguese gave him assurances that the 29-year-old's attitude is impeccable and it paved the way for his two-year loan move to Milan.

"I spoke to Mourinho, as I wanted to ask him how Torres was," Inzaghi told reporters on Saturday following confirmation of the deal on Friday. "I wanted to check what he was like behind the scenes and his general attitude.

"From the outside he already seemed to be a good professional. Those suspicions were confirmed. We thought Torres was a player who could give us a helping hand. I sought information on his approach to training and his attitude.

"When Mourinho told me that he is always the first to arrive at the training ground, I had no doubts in giving the all-clear. What the player is like as a man is fundamental and comes before everything on the pitch.

"We’ll get Torres back to being the player he once was."

Milan open their Serie A campaign at home to Lazio and Inzaghi, who replaced Clarence Seedorf in the hotseat this summer, believes that the Rossoneri can be the shock package of 2014-15.

"I am very confident for this season," he added. "This peace of mind is down to the fact I have seen the team training well. We want to be the surprise of this Serie A season."

 

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Van Gaal slams Man Utd for missed chances

Louis van Gaal criticised his team's poor finishing after it cost Manchester United all three points in Saturday's goalless draw with Burnley.

The Dutchman is still searching for his Premier League season as United have registered two points from their opening three matches.

“We played much better in the second half and created more chances,” Van Gaal told MUTV. “But you have to score from those chances, and we didn’t do that. It’s a disappointing result.”

Van Gaal concedes his side displayed a lack of confidence in the early stages of the match against Burnley and believes his players were “nervous” in possession.

“It was our mistake to fight with Burnley, even though they have fantastic fighting spirit. You have to play with the ball against teams like Burnley,” said the United boss.

“I don’t think our confidence level was very high in the first half. But I think that’s normal when a club like United loses the first match and draws the second one.

“The pressure is higher and you have to cope with that. I could see in the first half that the players were very nervous to play the ball.

“We restored that in the second half, and maybe that will raise our confidence.”

 

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Burnley match 1ke 86th minute penalty 1kath C.Foy dunne nahane​

 

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Torres: Goalscoring great Inzaghi can revive me

Fernando Torres is hoping that new boss and goalscoring great Filippo Inzaghi can help to revive his goalscoring fortunes at AC Milan.

The Spain striker arrived in Italy on Saturday to complete the formalities of his two-year loan switch from Chelsea, with his medical due to be completed later in the day.

He joined the Stamford Bridge club in January 2011 for a then-British record fee following a highly productive stint with Liverpool, but was unable to demonstrate anything close to his best form in London.

The agreement with the Rossoneri will now see him play out the remaining two years of his contract in Serie A and Torres admits he is relishing the chance of a fresh start.

"I'm really happy to have arrived in Milan," he told reporters in Italy. "I can't wait to do the medical, meet the fans and my new team-mates. I cannot wait to start this new adventure.

"I spoke to coach Inzaghi yesterday and I am really pleased to work with a coach like him. He was a great goalscorer and definitely understands what the role of a striker is. I am sure that he can teach me and help me a lot in this adventure."

After flopping at Chelsea, Torres is confident he can help to bring glory back to a Milan side who finished eighth in Serie A last term, missing out on European football, with the 30-year-old targeting a return to the Champions League .

"When you play for Milan there are always big expectations," he added. "After a difficult season last term, all of the players and the fans want to get back into the Champions League and fight for trophies.

"It will be a nice challenge trying to get back into the top three in the league and subsequently have the chance to play in the Champions League next year.

"Then, why not try and win something already this year? I'm expecting good things from this season.

"Playing for Milan won't be easy. It’s an honour and a privilege to wear this shirt, I want to give my best and help the side have a great season."

Torres' record transfer figure was only surpassed earlier this week when Manchester United signed Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

Despite his prolific form with Liverpool, and prior to that Atletico Madrid, the Spain striker often flattered to deceive at Chelsea and fell out of favour following the return of Jose Mourinho as manager.

Torres' lack of goals was a source of frustration for the club's fans, having netted 20 times in 110 Premier League appearances prior to this campaign.

He arrives at Milan with the club looking to fill the void left by Mario Baoltelli, who joined Liverpool on Monday.

 

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Given returns to Republic of Ireland squad

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has recalled Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given to the national squad.

The 38-year-old has not played international football since his side's appearance at Euro 2012, having struggled for first-team opportunities at Villa Park.

Brad Guzan has supplanted him as Paul Lambert's No.1 and Given spent time on loan at Middlesbrough last season but has since briefly served as a temporary assistant to the Villa manager and remains in the squad for 2014-15.

Given boasts 125 caps for Ireland, having made his debut in March 1996 against Russia, and had briefly retired from the international game after Euro 2012 but made himself available for selection again the following year.

He joins David Forde, Rob Elliot and Keiren Westwood in the goalkeeping stocks for a 27-man squad to face Oman in a friendly before taking on Georgia in their first qualifying match for Euro 2016.

Ireland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Forde (Millwall), Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Given (Aston Villa), Elliot (Newcastle)

Defenders: Keogh (Derby), Wilson (Stoke City), Coleman (Everton), O'Shea (Sunderland), Pearce (Reading), O'Brien (West Ham)

Midfielders: McCarthy (Everton), Ward (Burnley), Whelan (Stoke), Gibson (Everton), McGeady (Everton), Pilkington (Cardiff City), McClean (Wigan), Brady (Hull City), Quinn (Hull), Meyler (Hull), Hoolahan (Norwich City)

Forwards: Keane (LA Galaxy), Long (Southampton), Murphy (Ipswich Town), Walters (Stoke), Doyle (Wolves), Stokes (Celtic)

 

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Koeman '99% sure' Schneiderlin will stay at Southampton

Ronald Koeman is "99 per cent" sure Morgan Schneiderlin will still be a Southampton player after the close of the transfer window.

The France international has been a target for Tottenham throughout the summer, with Goal understanding a £17 million bid was planned earlier in the window, although Mauricio Pochettino is now closing in on the signing of Montpellier midfielder Benjamin Stambouli.Schneiderlin was public in his desire to leave the club in July, but Southampton blocked any sale prompting talk of the player possibly going on strike.

But, following the 24-year-old's man-of-the-match display against West Ham, Koeman spoke of confidence that Schneiderlin would not be sold and dismissed reports of any threat of a strike."It's difficult in life to say 100 per cent [if he will stay]. For me, yes, but more like 99 per cent," he told reporters."He never said he would go on strike. He's in a comfortable situation now. He's accepted club's decision [not to sell him]."

Meanwhile, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was frank with his assessment of his players following the loss, but questioned the performane of referee Mike Dean."We weren't good enough," he said. "Southampton taught us a lesson, we weren't sharp enough and didn't retain the ball as well as they did, close down as well as they did and gifted them two goals. As much as they were in control and on top of the game we've lost two very stupid goals from set-pieces.

"The big problem I had with the corner [for the second goal] was that it was a goal-kick of course. I've had a look at it on the laptop and can the referee see it? Was he blocked and why didn't he make the right decision? Having looked at it from Mike Dean's position he's got it horribly wrong when we don't need it to go against us."

 

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Chievo 0-1 Juventus: Own goal gives champions slim win

Juventus opened their Scudetto defence by bagging a slender 1-0 win at Chievo on Saturday thanks to an own-goal from Cristiano Biraghi.

New coach Massimiliano Allegri saw his side deliver an ominous display that should have resulted in a wider margin of victory.

Biraghi deflected a header from Martin Caceres into his own net after seven minutes, but Juve were unlucky not to find the net again as Arturo Vidal struck a post and Carlos Tevez twice hit the crossbar.

Chile midfielder Vidal also saw an effort cleared off the line, although Chievo spurned a late chance to equalise when Maxi Lopez was denied by Gianluigi Buffon.

The intensity of Juventus' performance dipped in the second period, but Kingsley Coman twice went close on an encouraging debut.

Allegri was without the injured Andrea Pirlo, but his team almost got off to a dream start as Tevez dragged an effort wide in the first minute.

The reigning champions were quickly into their stride and took the lead when Tevez's deep corner was met by Caceres, who nodded home at the back post with the aid of a deflection off Biraghi.

Chievo, winless against Juventus since 2010, almost found a response when Lopez - making his debut - controlled in the area and turned before missing the target.

Key midfielder Vidal, the subject of much transfer speculation this summer, was a constant menace and twice went close to extending Juve's lead.

After his initial shot had been blocked on the line, Vidal saw a diving header cannon off the post and Juve hit the woodwork on two further occasions before the break.

Tevez's half-volley from Stephan Lichtsteiner's dangerous centre hit the crossbar and the Argentinian also struck the bar with a looping header.

The impressive Coman almost marked his bow with a fine goal early in the second half, curling an effort narrowly wide.

A beautiful cross from Vidal was headed over by the teenage Frenchman, with Juve continuing to appear in control.

Yet for all Juve's dominance, Lopez missed a golden chance for the hosts late on, Buffon making a sprawling save after the ball had fell kindly for Chievo's Argentine forward 12 yards out.

There were no further scares for the visitors, who handed a first appearance to Roberto Pereyra as a replacement for Vidal.

Chievo saw coach Eugenio Corini dismissed in stoppage time after he appeared to take a step onto the field to retrieve the ball for a throw-in.

 

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Falcao to Man City just a rumour - Pellegrini

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has played down rumours of a potential move for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao in the wake of his side's surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke City on Saturday.

A superb goal from Mame Diouf settled the match, with City's attacking players subdued by a disciplined defensive display by the visitors, who held on for a worthy win.

Speculation has risen that City may look to boost their attacking options with a move for Falcao, who was left out of the Monaco squad for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash with Lille.

But after the match Pellegrini refused to be drawn on speculation that a move for the Colombian might be imminent, telling reporters: "I'm not talking about rumours. Rumours are just rumours.

"I have to explain about so many different players. We have 48 hours left [of the transfer window] and we will see, but we have a restriction about the money we can spend and the players we can use, so it is not easy."

Pellegrini refused to be too critical of his side in the wake of the defeat - only the second time City have failed to score at home in 71 Premier League matches.

He added: "It is always serious to lose three points at home. We wanted to win nine points before the international break, but these games happen once a year. We will work the same way that we are doing now.

"I think that we were trying to create the space, Stoke defended very well, we didn everything we could do. We had a bad day."

Pellegrini also addressed the injury suffered by midfielder Fernando, who hobbled off in the first half with a groin injury.

He said of the midfielder: "Fernando has a problem with his muscle, in his groin. We will see what the doctor says [on Sunday]."

 

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Schalke 1-1 Bayern Munich: Howedes seals controversial point for hosts

A controversial equaliser from Benedikt Howedes denied Bayern Munich as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Schalke at the Veltins-Arena.

Robert Lewandowski opened his Bayern account to put the visitors ahead with a well-worked strike.

Pep Guardiola's side typically dominated possession, but Sidney Sam's free-kick midway through the second half caused chaos in the Bayern box, deflecting off Howedes and into the net. Replays suggested the ball went in off the Germany defender's arm, but referee Marco Fritz waved away furious Bayern protests. The result halts Schalke's run of seven consecutive defeats to Bayern, although they remain without a win this season.

Bayern have lacked a clinical side to their game since switching to Guardiola's now-favoured 3-4-3 system, and an inability to break down their opponents will have done little to soothe any nervy fans.The champions, who handed a debut to Xabi Alonso in the centre of defence, were made to work for their opening-day win over Wolfsburg last week, but rushed out of the blocks within the opening six minutes in Gelsenkirchen.

Philipp Lahm's ball over the top found Lewandowski, who squared to Thomas Muller, only for the striker's first-time shot to be tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann, who was also forced into producing a smart save to keep out Mario Gotze's low drive.

However, Fahrmann was powerless to prevent the visitors taking a well-deserved lead on the 10-minute mark.A neat one-two involving Sebastian Rode released Lewandowski inside the penalty area, leaving the Polish striker with a simple finish from close range.

Pep Guardiola's side were the only team with a better home record than Schalke last season, but there appeared to be little sign of any advantage for the hosts, who struggled to deal with a controlled first-half performance from Bayern.It took 27 minutes for Schalke to muster their first attempt, Sam sending a swerving shot just wide from 30 yards.

Manuel Neuer was nearly caught out five minutes before the break, sending a clearance straight to Kaan Ayhan after rushing out of his area, but the teenage midfielder's audacious 45-yard lob went wide.Schalke showed more urgency within the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

First Julian Draxler powered a header straight at Neuer, before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was denied by Jerome Boateng's last-ditch tackle. And Bayern's defence was finally breached two minutes after the hour mark, when Sam's teasing delivery pinballed around the penalty area before Alonso's clearance cannoned off Howedes and into the net.

Bayern could not channel their frustrations into a winner, with Keller visibly delighted at the final whistle with a result that is likely to dispel any doubts about his job security at Schalke.

 

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Manchester City 0-1 Stoke City: Diouf wonderstrike shocks holders

A spectacular solo goal from Mame Diouf handed Manchester City their first Premier League defeat of the season and gave Stoke City a famous victory at the Etihad Stadium.

A lethargic City performance was punished on 58 minutes when Diouf raced upfield from a defensive corner and beat Fernandinho before firing through the legs of a sprawling Joe Hart.

Manuel Pellegrini's men pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but a combination of poor finishing and dogged defending saw the Potters hold out for the win.

For City, the result represents a blow going into the international break, with Pellegrini also seeing midfielder Fernando taken off with an apparent groin problem.

The hosts were given an early scare when Sergio Aguero collided with Ryan Shawcross, although the Argentine striker was quickly back in action after receiving treatment.

Aleksandar Kolarov then connected with David Silva's cross and saw his header drift marginally off target before Steven N'Zonzi shot high and wide to conclude Stoke's first dangerous foray forward.

Stoke gradually grew into the game and were denied a penalty 18 minutes in when Diouf went down in the area after evading Kolarov.

Lee Mason waved away the protests and the referee was soon required to cool an off-the-ball incident between Shawcross and Stevan Jovetic that capped a scrappy opening half-hour.

Pellegrini replaced the injured Fernando with Fernandinho, before Yaya Toure clipped the crossbar with the final effort of the opening half.

Diouf was again left frustrated when Mason denied him a penalty early in the second half, while Samir Nasri saw a shot deflected wide after good interplay between the Frenchman and Silva.

As in the first half, Stoke's deep and resolute backline proved difficult for the home side to break down.

A curled effort from Toure was beaten away by Begovic, before the lively Diouf gained reward in the 58th minute when he surged forward from inside his own half and nudged the ball past Fernandinho.

Having burst into the area, Diouf tucked the ball past Hart - who will perhaps feel he should have done better - and opened his account for Stoke.

While the home side rallied, it was Stoke who had the better chances to extend their lead as Victor Moses came close to connecting with Peter Odemwingie's cross and Peter Crouch headed wide.

City had a late shout for a spot-kick turned down when Erik Pieters carelessly tangled with Toure but Mason again opted to wave play on and Stoke secured three hard-earned points.

 

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Everton 3-6 Chelsea: Costa scores twice in thriller

A clinical double from Diego Costa helped Chelsea withstand a spirited Everton fightback and triumph in a nine-goal classic at Goodison Park.

Costa and Branislav Ivanovic struck inside three minutes to put Jose Mourinho's men in a commanding position but a flying Kevin Mirallas header brought the hosts back into contention before the interval.

A Seamus Coleman own goal on 67 minutes put Chelsea back in control before Nemanja Matic, Samuel Eto'o and Ramires struck within the space of four incredible minutes, but Costa netted again at the death as the Blues held on to preserve their 100 per cent start to the season.

It had been feared that the 25-year-old would miss the match, with Chelsea announcing on Thursday that the former Atletico Madrid talisman had suffered a "minor muscular problem".

And Everton may have wished his name had not been on the team sheet when Costa collected Cesc Fabregas' pass and sprung the offside trap before sliding the ball between the legs of a woefully exposed Howard after just 35 seconds.

Things went from bad to worse for Roberto Martinez's side when Ramires forced the ball through a disorganised home defence to pick out Ivanovic, who in turn found the back of the net - although he looked to have strayed beyond the last defender.

Amazingly, the early drama continued as Howard raced out to collect Eden Hazard's searching long ball and handled outside his area, but the American goalkeeper escaped punishment.

The hosts thought they had pulled a goal back in the 15th minute after former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku's header struck the crossbar and was turned in by Distin, but the defender was offside.

Distin was then relieved to see a Fabregas strike flash just wide after the Frenchman had got a toe-end on the ball in the 29th minute.

Everton responded, and Mirallas brought them back into the game with an excellent header from Coleman's cross in first-half stoppage time.

Phil Jagielka's careless pass inside his own half almost sent Everton back to square one within seven minutes of the restart, but Costa was thwarted by Howard after racing through on goal.

Chelsea's third did arrive in the 68th minute when Hazard's attempted cutback was turned into his own net by Coleman, only for Naismith to hit back inside 60 seconds with a cool finish after getting in behind a static visiting defence.

Matic's measured strike from distance kept Chelsea on top, though their lead was narrowed when Eto'o seized his moment to keep the pressure on with a close-range finish.

Remarkably, that was not the end of the scoring, as Ramires found the bottom corner with 13 minutes left and then substitute Muhamed Besic's poor first touch handed Costa his second, completing a memorable Chelsea victory.

 

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Diego Costa & Chelsea pattama form 1kaka inne​

 

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Falcao denies Real Madrid tweet

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao has dismissed claims that he is leaving to join Real Madrid, claiming picture of a tweet saying a move was imminent was fake.

The Colombian triggered suggestions he was imminetly leaving Stade Louis II when he was inexplicably left out of Leonardo Jardim's matchday squad for their 1-1 draw with Lille on Saturday.

Reports were rife about where the ex-Atletico Madrid man might be departing Ligue 1 for, with Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal and Real Madrid all named as contenders in the chase for the 28-year-old.

But Falcao looked like he had ended speculation over his future by declaring his loyalties to Carlo Ancelotti's men, as a picture of a tweet in which he had declared that the move to the Santiago Bernabeu a "dream come true" started to spread through social media. The tweet had supposedly been posted and then quickly deleted by the attacker.

However, the striker took to social media to declare that the tweet was false.

"I have to refute a story about a tweet I have not done, that is photoshopped."

Monaco are yet to comment about whether Falcao is leaving the club after just a single full season with the club, while Real Madrid have similarly kept quiet on the rumours regarding the forward.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Meh Tweet 1ka fake 1kak kiyala Falcao kiyanawa bro ​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shaw/rojo awata passe shape weyihabayi thawa defender kenek wath ganna weyi machan.

Aniwa thawa Defender kenek one machan.Mage nam guess 1ka CB la 2nnek one kiyala & 2 MID players​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow machan ada QPR squad eketh nae

Ada Chelsea join wei bro Remy
​

 

[rcccc]

Manchester City 0-1 Stoke City: Diouf wonderstrike shocks holders

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid 2-1 Eibar: Champions pick up first win

Atletico Madrid kick-started their title defence with a nervy 2-1 win over Eibar in Diego Simeone's 100th Liga match as head coach.

The Argentinian took over from Gregorio Manzano in December 2011 and has enjoyed an inspirational trophy-laden spell, with last season's title triumph the pinnacle.

Atletico were finally presented with the trophy before Saturday's game at Vicente Calderon but, having drawn their opening game at Rayo Vallecano, they again struggled to produce much of an improvement as the banned Simeone watched from the stands.German Burgos deputised on the touchline once again and it did not take long for Atletico to race into the lead, with headed goals from Miranda and Mario Mandzukic making it 2-0 in 25 minutes.

Abraham brought Eibar back into touching distance after capping off a fine move with a delightful finish and the visitors continued to improve after the break.Atletico escaped late on as Eneko Boveda headed just wide of the target and the nervous hosts held on to a slender win in unconvincing fashion.Without Simeone patrolling his technical area, proceedings were a little tepid early on, however the score was only level briefly.

Koke, one of the stars of Atletico's title-winning campaign, fired a dangerous corner delivery in towards the near post and Miranda steered home with a glancing header after 11 minutes. The hosts were seemingly disappearing from sight as Mandzukic nodded in Gabi's free-kick to open up a two-goal lead in the 25th minute, but Eibar soon brought themselves back into the contest in stylish fashion.

After cutting in from the flank, left-back Abraham played a give-and-go with Angel, before also linking up with Mikel Arruabarrena on the edge of the area and caressing an exquisite first-time right-foot finish into Miguel Angel Moya's top-right corner.Atletico nearly re-opened their two-goal advantage eight minutes before the break, but Xabi Irureta tipped Raul Garcia's deflected 20-yard effort on to the crossbar.

The hosts appeared to struggle with Eibar's forceful pressing early in the second half, with the Basque side also enjoying much more of the ball than they did before the break.But neither team looked particularly convincing going forward, with chances becoming increasingly infrequent.Eibar eventually forced Moya into action with 24 minutes to go and the former Getafe man stuck a foot out to stop Angel's effort squeezing inside the post.

The visitors saw further chances go begging in the 75th minute as Boveda headed agonisingly wide from six yards and Angel prodded wide when one-on-one to ensure Atletico ultimately clung on to a far-from convincing win.