Atletico Madrid moved one point clear at the top of LaLiga after a 2-0 win over Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.
The hosts made the brighter start and nearly took advantage of Atletico’s slow opening after 11 minutes. Daniel Requena’s powerful shot from 15 yards forced Jan Oblak into an impressive save to keep the game goalless.
Atletico thought they had gone ahead shortly after the quarter-hour mark when Morten Hjulmand finished smartly from close range. However, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Diego Simeone’s side gradually took control as the first half progressed, with Mathew Ryan then required to deny Marcos Llorente from distance.
The pressure eventually produced an opening goal in the 36th minute. Jon Ander Olasagasti’s defensive mistake allowed Alejandro Grimaldo to take aim from inside the penalty area, and he finished emphatically to score his fourth league goal of the season.
Atletico went into half-time in front and preserved their notable defensive record, having conceded only once in the first half of their LaLiga matches this season.
There was another disallowed goal early in the second half when David Hancko found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out immediately for offside. Levante were then spared a second goal when Kang-In Lee struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.
The visitors did not have to wait long for insurance, though. Alex Baena threaded an excellent pass through to Giuliano Simeone, who showed composure to place his finish beyond Ryan and double Atletico’s advantage.
Levante were handed a clear chance to reduce the deficit midway through the second half after a mistake by Llorente. Karl Etta Eyong, however, was unable to convert from six yards.
That proved to be the Granotes’ final serious opportunity to get back into the contest. Atletico controlled the closing stages effectively to secure three points and a third successive league clean sheet.
Levante missed the chance to extend their unbeaten home run to three matches. They remain one point above the relegation zone but have slipped one place to 16th in the table.
Atletico, meanwhile, have conceded only eight goals in 11 LaLiga games and now sit at the top of the standings.
Their next fixture is in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, when they host Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico Madrid)