Atletico Madrid return to victory as Athletic Clubs European dreams suffer blow
Atletico Madrid reinstated several seasoned players after their recent defeat against Elche during the week, yet they encountered immediate threat merely three minutes into the game when Gorka Guruzeta leapt to connect with a lofted pass, although Jan Oblak positioned himself well to deny the close range attempt.
This proved to be the sole attempt from both teams during the opening 15 minutes, during which Alex Baena was refused a spot kick after tumbling inside the penalty area.
However, around the midpoint of the opening period, the away team capitalised on their next opportunity, as Inigo Ruiz de Galarretas delivery from a corner was powerfully headed in by Dani Vivian.
Becoming just the fourth team to fall behind at home against Athletic this campaign, the home side at last generated a chance with nine minutes remaining before the break, when Giuliano Simeoness pass from the flank was headed forcefully by Alexander Sorloth, only for the forward to direct it directly at Unai Simon.
Beyond that moment, the Madrid outfit appeared uncoordinated and faced boos from the displeased supporters as they headed into the interval.
Yet the disapproval shifted to applause only four minutes after the restart, with a driven ball from Baena on the left side ricocheting off a few players yet reaching Antoine Griezmann, who nudged it into the net to level the scores.
Merely five minutes afterwards, the contest flipped completely, as Simeone surged forward centrally before linking with Sorloth, who exchanged a precise pass with Baena prior to slotting the ball home with composure.
The Scandinavian forward nearly claimed a second goal shortly after, but he skewed his effort off target while targeting the upper corner.
At the 60 minute point, the initiative returned to the visitors favour, with Guruzeta expertly controlling the ball near the penalty areas edge before shooting just past the post, followed by Oihan Sancets strike requiring a solid deflection, and then Dani Vivian winning the ball in the air from a free kick, though his effort sailed over the crossbar this time.
During the closing 10 minutes, the team from Bilbao seemed short on inspiration, as efforts from distance by Vivian and Mikel Vesga failed to test Oblak in any meaningful way.
Deep into added time, Nahuel Molina found Sorloth in the middle of the pitch, allowing the forward to break free without opposition and confirm the win for Atletico, thus preventing their first run of five straight league defeats since 1942.
The side from the Basque region managed a late response via a header from Guruzeta in the final moments, although they failed to achieve a repeat victory after 26 years and stay three points adrift of sixth position.