MADRID (Reuters) – Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann scored a brilliant late goal to claim a battling 1-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and strengthen their grip on fourth place in LaLiga.
Atletico were the better side for large parts of the game but were left to rue a flurry of missed chances until Griezmann broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute.
The forward slotted home a low shot inside the box to cap a fine individual effort that started from a combination with substitute Memphis Depay who set his team mate free with a back-heel before the Frenchman sprinted between two defenders.
Atletico have 41 points from 22 games, two behind third-placed Real Sociedad and four above Real Betis in fifth. Barcelona, who visit lowly Cadiz in the late game, are top on 56 points ahead of Real Madrid with 51.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris)
