Madrid: Diego Costa and David Villa delivered again for Atletico Madrid, whose Spanish league title charge continued to gain strength with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Villa enjoyed Atletico’s best opportunities at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and put the hosts ahead after 32 minutes on Sunday by volleying Juanfran’s headed-on cross through the crowded area into goal.
Nine minutes later, Koke delivered a perfect ball to Costa, who the cut back to dribble around Erik Moran and fire a low shot beyond goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz for his joint league-leading 13th goal of the season.
Bilbao rarely threatened and was reduced to 10 men in the 81st when Moran was shown a second yellow.
Also on Sunday, Valencia lifted some of the pressure of coach Miroslav Djukic with its first win in five rounds, a 1-0 victory at Getafe.
Granada scored in stoppage time for a 1-0 win at Levante, while Malaga also needed an injury time winner from a late substitute to beat Real Betis 3-2.
Costa, the Brazilian-born, naturalized Spaniard, has spearheaded Atletico’s title credentials so far this season.
But it was captain Gabi who first tested Iraizoz in the 18th, and the Basque goalie made an outstanding reaction save to a low drive. (AP)
