Atletico Madrid welcomed Real Sociedad to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday knowing that victory would move them three points clear at the top of the La Liga table.
The capital outfit led 1-0 at the interval following a close-range finish from David Villa, who was later forced to depart in the first period through injury.
Sociedad were much-improved in the second period, but Diego Costa, Miranda and Diego all struck late on to secure the points for Atletico.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
5.52pmEvening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Sociedad. The home side enter the match knowing that victory would move them three points clear at the top of the table following Barcelona’s surprise home defeat to Valencia on Saturday.
5.54pmSociedad, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 4-0 win over Elche in the league. That result left the Basque outfit in sixth position in the table, but they are six points off the top four with 17 matches remaining. Sociedad have also struggled on their travels this season with just three wins from their 11 matches.
5.56pmIn terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five matches between the pair, with Sociedad winning once and the further fixture ending in a draw. As mentioned, Sociedad were 1-0 winners in this stadium last season, but Atletico have already beaten the Basque outfit at San Sebastian this season.
5.58pmTEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godín, Miranda, Insua; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Sosa, Costa, Villa
SOCIEDAD: Bravo; C.Martinez, Ansotegi, I.Martinez, Angel; Gaztanaga, Zurutuza, Pardo; Prieto; Vela, Griezmann
1 minSo there we have it. No Filipe Luis or Arda Turan for Atletico this evening, but Mario Suarez comes in for his first start since November. January signing Jose Sosa is also in the XI. Sociedad, meanwhile, have Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann as their front pair, but Imanol Agirretxe drops to the bench. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital.
2 minWonderful moment prior to kickoff as Atletico pay their tributes to former Spain coach and Atletico Madrid legend Luis Aragones, who recently lost his life...
Atlético Madrid shirt with Aragonés 8 paraded around the Calderón pitch in tribute to the former Spain coach pic.twitter.com/DSRfkWH5lg
— AS English (@English_AS) February 2, 20144 minNot too much to report in terms of opportunities in the opening four minutes, but Atletico have taken control of the possession. Just a reminder that three points would move them three clear at the top of the table. However, Sociedad have their sights firmly set on the top four.
6 minCHANCE! Brilliant work from Costa as the Atletico forward drives past the entire Sociedad defence before attempting to find the top corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Sociedad enjoy a period of possession down the other end moments later, but this stern Atletico defence stands firm once more.
8 minAtletico continue to force the issue in wide areas with Sosa and Juanfran linking up down the right, but Sociedad manage to clear once more. Vela is down the other end for the away side moments later and wins a free kick, but the resulting set piece from Pardo moves behind for a goal kick.
10 minThe referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as Costa is brought to the ground by Inigo Martinez. The resulting set piece from Gabi is delivered into the Sociedad box, but Griezmann is on hand to clear. The opening 10 minutes of this contest have just flown past in Madrid.
13 minHalf-chance for Atletico as Suarez meets a corner from Koke at the near post, but Prieto is on hand to make a decisive block. Atletico are certainly in control of proceedings with 13 minutes on the clock, but Sociedad certainly carry a threat on the counter with the pace and movement of Vela and Griezmann, who has been one of the stars of the season.
14 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Atletico have the ball in the back of the net as Villa rounds Bravo before finishing in the bottom corner, but the flag is raised at the vital moment. It was a very late flag, which caused confusion for a moment. However, the score remains 0-0 at the Calderon.
16 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Koke collects possession outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Just a reminder that victory for the home side would move them top of the table following Barcelona's surprise home loss to Valencia on Saturday. The home side have dominated proceedings thus far this evening.
18 minCosta continues to cause problems as he runs away from Zurutuza, but the Sociedad midfielder brings the striker to the ground and picks up a booking for his troubles. The resulting free kick is delivered towards Villa, but Insua's pass drifts out for a throw. Still goalless after 18 minutes.
21 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Juanfran delivers a dangerous cross into the near post, but Villa cannot turn into the back of the net. Sociedad are struggling to keep the ball at the moment with Griezmann and Vela both left isolated in the final third.
23 minOpportunity for Sociedad to threaten from a free kick as Miranda fells Griezmann on the edge of the box, with the Brazilian receiving a booking for his troubles. Griezmann takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall. It was incredibly close to being a penalty for the visitors.
25 minBetter from Sociedad in the last couple of moments as Zurutuza meets a low cross from Griezmann, but his effort is straight at Courtois from close range. Atletico break down the other end with Costa, but Gaztanaga is across to make a fine challenge. Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock.
27 minThe free-kick count continues to rise as Pardo fells Costa on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is delivered into the Sociedad area by Koke, but Bravo comes to collect under pressure from his own defender, Inigo Martinez. Not too much in terms of clear chances in the last few moments.
30 minFrustrating period of the match for Atletico in the last couple of moments as Sociedad continue defend in numbers. Griezmann has dropped deeper for the away side in search of the ball, but that has left Vela isolated in the final third. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining as Costa swings one high of the bar from inside the box.
32 minIt's bright work from Griezmann as the Sociedad attacker collects a loose ball inside the box before feeding Angel, but his cross is straight into the arms of Courtois. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about down the other end as each attack continues to break down in the final third.
34 minJuanfran continues to make good ground down the right for Atletico as he delivers a low cross towards Villa, but Bravo is on hand to collect at the vital moment. It is a strangely subdued atmosphere on this emotional night as Atletico play their first match since the passing of Luis Aragones. Head coach Diego Simeone cut an emotional figure during the tribute...
Diego Simeone holds back his emotions as the Vicente Calderon honours the legendary Luis Aragonés. (@casadelfutbol) pic.twitter.com/DfdIwOYyWo
— Inside La Liga (@InsideLaLiga) February 2, 201437 minBetter from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Sosa more involved in forward positions, but clear chances have been at a premium. A point would be enough to take them top of the table, but three points for Real Madrid at Athletic Bilbao would move them into first at the end of the weekend.
38 minGOAL! Atletico 1-0 Sociedad (Villa)
39 minAtletico take the lead in the Calderon as Villa turns a low Costa cross into the bottom corner. It was bright work from Insua, who found Atletico's leading scorer down the left. Costa delivered towards Villa, who simply could not miss.
41 minWell, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Crucial time to score for Atletico and that goal has taken it out of Sociedad. Suddenly everyone in a red and white shirt wants the ball as Koke and Suarez pop up in advanced positions.
43 minAtletico are forced into a change minutes before the interval as Villa suddenly hits the ground in the middle of the park. It is obviously a problem that Simeone is aware of as the Spaniard is quickly taken from the field, with Raul Garcia entering proceedings. Real disappointment around the stadium.
45 minOpportunity for Atletico to threaten from a free kick in the latter stages of the first period as Koke floats a cross towards Godin, but Bravo collects at the vital moment. I shouldn't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the first period in Madrid.
45+1 minCHANCE! Brilliant chance for Sosa to send Atletico 2-0 ahead in the latter stages of the half as he dances into the Sociedad box, but his final effort is straight at Bravo from close range.
45+2 minHALF TIME: Atletico 1-0 Sociedad
6.50pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Villa. Sociedad have had their moments on the counter, but have struggled to carve out openings against the strongest defence in the league.
6.55pmSTATISTICS: Atletico have just about shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had four attempts to Sociedad's three. However, both sides have managed just the one attempt on target. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with the referee issuing four bookings.
7pmBENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into one change with Garcia replacing Villa. However, they still have attacking options in the shape of new signing Diego, Adrian and Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Seferovic, Agirretxe and Gonzalo Castro in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Atletico are heading three points clear at the top of La Liga. The home side get the second 45 minutes underway. Another wonderful gesture from Atletico on this emotional night prior to kickoff...
Luis Aragonés was remembered in the Atletico Madrid dressing room with his number 8 shirt. pic.twitter.com/fIGjsSdBJa
— Inside La Liga (@InsideLaLiga) February 2, 201448 minRisky defending from Juanfran as the Atletico defender gets in a mix-up with Courtois, but the Spaniard does manage to force it behind for a corner. Sociedad threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Miranda and Godin take it in turns to clear the danger. Bright start to the half from the visitors.
50 minNo changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will look to their bench if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Sociedad continue to make the early running in the second 45 minutes as Ansotegi heads over the crossbar from close range.
53 minJust a reminder that the two sides are separated by a first-half strike from Villa, who was later forced to depart due to an injury. As it stands, Atletico will move three points clear at the top of the table following Real Madrid's trip to Athletic Bilbao later this evening. Fellow title challengers Barcelona lost at home to Valencia on Saturday afternoon.
David Villa dedicates his goal to Luis Aragonés. (@marca) pic.twitter.com/u6puEVwPDP
— Inside La Liga (@InsideLaLiga) February 2, 201455 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Sociedad are enjoying more of the match. Carlos Martinez threatens with a low cross into the box, but Godin is across to clear. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. One is not often enough - well I suppose it is for Atletico.
57 minHalf-chance for Sociedad as Pardo delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box, but Miranda is on hand to clear once more. The away side threaten with another corner, but eventually the danger is scrambled clear. It appears that we will soon see Diego for the home side, which will certainly raise the home supporters.
59 minCHANCE! Opportunity for Sociedad to level as Ansotegi latches onto a loose ball following a corner, but the centre-back can only drive his effort wide of the post. Much better from the away side, who have been the dominant force in the second period.
61 minAtletico do indeed make the change and it is Diego, who has returned to the club on loan from German side Wolfsburg. A second debut for the Brazilian, who replaces Sosa. Little under 30 minutes remaining at the Calderon. Atletico need another goal to settle those inside the stadium.
63 minHalf-chance for Diego to make an immediate impact as the Brazilian collects a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected high of the crossbar by Inigo Martinez. The resulting corner is delivered by Gabi, but Bravo comes to collect.
65 minSociedad were barely a threat in the first period, but that has changed since the interval. A poor challenge from Insua on Carlos Martinez hands the away side another free kick in a dangerous position. Griezmann delivers towards the far post, but Garcia is on hand to clear the danger, before Gaztanaga fires high and wide of the crossbar.
68 minSociedad make their first change as Agirretxe, who was been among the goals in recent weeks, replaces Zurutuza. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Atletico are under pressure, but will surely start to find space on the counter attack. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Calderon.
70 minHalf-chance for the home side to score a second as Diego finds the head of Garcia inside the Sociedad box, but his effort is high of the crossbar. That has been just about the only chance in the last 10 or 15 minutes for Atletico as Sociedad continue to force the issue. Can they score a well-deserved equaliser?
72 minAnother half-chance for the away side as Griezmann delivers a dangerous free kick to the far post, but Miranda is on hand to clear under pressure from Ansotegi. Meanwhile, the referee has been more involved in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Nervy atmosphere around the stadium with 72 minutes on the clock.
72 minGOAL! Atletico 2-0 Sociedad (Costa)
73 minAtletico score their second as Costa beats the offside trap before curling a low effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant finish from the striker, who has returned to form in style.
74 minGOAL! Atletico 3-0 Sociedad (Miranda)
75 minAtletico make it three as Miranda rises inside the box before thumping a powerful header into the bottom corner. Game, set and match for the home side, who are heading top of the table.
77 minWell, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Atletico are heading three points clear at the summit. It will be over to Real Madrid following this match as Los Blancos travel to Athletic Bilbao. Sociedad have been much-improved in this half, but have been blown away in a couple of minutes.
80 minOn this emotional night at the Calderon, it seems only right to pay another tribute to Aragones, who will simply not be forgotten...
Luis Aragonés scores during the European Cup final in 1974 between Atlético and Bayern (1-1). pic.twitter.com/Aus7y9zata
— Antique Football (@AntiqueFootball) February 2, 201482 minThere is no question that Aragones would have been proud of his former side this evening, as Atletico head to the top of the table. Sociedad have enjoyed a period of possession since conceding the third, but another attack breaks down when Angel crosses into the giant hands of Courtois, who has once more been impressive.
84 minChanges for both sides in the final stages as Rodriguez replaces Koke for Atletico. Meanwhile, Sociedad make two alterations with Griezmann and Vela replaced by Seferovic and Castro. That is not much of a surprise. There is no need to risk injuries in the latter stages with this match over.
86 minAtletico are not finished as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Costa has his eye on a second as he strikes one from outside the box, but it hits his own teammate Diego. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Real Madrid's trip to Athletic Bilbao. Trust me, you not want to miss it.
87 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with Atletico prepared to keep hold of the ball. It hasn't always been pretty, but they are heading for a 3-0 win, which cannot be bad. I shouldn't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the 90 minutes.
87 minGOAL! Atletico 4-0 Sociedad (Diego)
88 minIcing on the cake for the home side as Diego arrives late inside the box before thumping a powerful effort into the roof of the net. Brilliant from the Brazilian.
90+1 minThe fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute, which is not much of a surprise. It is very much a case of 'over to you Real Madrid'.
90+2 minFULL TIME: Atletico 4-0 Sociedad
7.51pmSo there we have it. Atletico storm to the top of the table with a 4-0 win over Sociedad. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Real Madrid. Until then!
