Costa brace sees Atletico take top spot in Spain
24 Dec 2013 4:02 AM IST
Andreas Ivanschitz had stunned the Vicente Calderon inside two minutes as he slotted home the first league goal Atletico had conceded at home since early October.
However, Atletico gradually took control of the game and were deservedly level when Diego Godin headed home Juanfran’s cross on the half hour mark.
Costa then put the hosts in front two minutes after the break, but Levante responded as a wonderful individual effort from Pedro Rios brought them level 10 minutes later.
Atletico weren’t to be denied, though, and when Ruben Garcia clipped Juanfran inside the area 13 minutes from time, Costa’s spot-kick just had enough power to beat Keylor Navas.
Barcelona can restore top spot if they beat Getafe away late on Sunday, whilst Real Madrid can also cut the eight-point gap between them and their city rivals when they travel to Valencia.
Earlier, Sevilla enhanced their chances of Champions League football next season with a 2-1 win away to Villarreal.
Goals from Cala and Carlos Bacca put the visitors on course for the three points before Jeremy Perbet pulled a late goal back from the penalty spot. Real Betis remain rooted to the foot of the table after they lost 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Almeria and need a miracle from here to survive.
However, Atletico gradually took control of the game and were deservedly level when Diego Godin headed home Juanfran’s cross on the half hour mark.
Costa then put the hosts in front two minutes after the break, but Levante responded as a wonderful individual effort from Pedro Rios brought them level 10 minutes later.
Atletico weren’t to be denied, though, and when Ruben Garcia clipped Juanfran inside the area 13 minutes from time, Costa’s spot-kick just had enough power to beat Keylor Navas.
Barcelona can restore top spot if they beat Getafe away late on Sunday, whilst Real Madrid can also cut the eight-point gap between them and their city rivals when they travel to Valencia.
Earlier, Sevilla enhanced their chances of Champions League football next season with a 2-1 win away to Villarreal.
Goals from Cala and Carlos Bacca put the visitors on course for the three points before Jeremy Perbet pulled a late goal back from the penalty spot. Real Betis remain rooted to the foot of the table after they lost 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Almeria and need a miracle from here to survive.
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