End of the year cracker from Griezmann

Athletic Bilbao and Atlético Madrid served up a feast of a closing Matchday 16 encounter in La Liga BBVA. Though Bilbao started brightly and controlled the first half, the Madrid side came back to grab three well-deserved points.

Bilbao came out in the first half intent on giving Atlético a taste of their own medicine: pressure on the ball, organization and a collective determination not to let the opponent breathe. And the plan seemed to be working. Bilbao went ahead through a superlative header from Mikel Rico – his first goal of the season. There was an air of authority about Ernesto Valverde’s side, and that, coupled with the fact Atlético were missing key players in Mandzukic and Koke, meant the sides went in 1-0 at half time.

But the second half saw a complete turnaround. Atlético flew out of the blocks, the comeback getting under way with an excellent header from Antoine Griezmann. Raúl Garcia made it 2-0 just seven minutes later from the penalty spot, and two more from Griezmann put the icing on the cake. A good night for Atlético in a difficult ground – one that will now have to wait until 2015 to see its team win again.