Atletico Madrid travelled to Deportivo La Coruna on Friday knowing that three points would temporarily take them top of the La Liga table ahead of both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The visitors dominated the opening half at the Riazor and entered the interval with a one-goal lead courtesy of Tiago's first strike of the new campaign.
Deportivo improved in the second period, however, and levelled the scores in the 77th minute through Lucas Perez.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
6.31pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Riazor as Deportivo La Coruna welcome Atletico Madrid in Week 10's opening fixture. The hosts have made a strong start to the new campaign and currently sit sixth, but Atletico, who would move to the top of the table with all three points tonight, will enter this match as the favourites to triumph. Let's have for an entertaining contest here!
6.34pmRecent history also favours Atletico, with the capital outfit unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Deportivo, recording six wins in the process. Last season, Atletico were 2-1 winners in this stadium in April, while they also triumphed 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon. What's more, Atletico have only conceded once in their last five league matches with their opponents tonight.
6.37pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
6.40pmTEAMS:
DEPOR: Lux; Laure, Lopo, Sidnei, Navarro; Borges, Mosquera; Fede, Jonas, Fajr; Lucas
ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Carrasco, Jackson, Griezmann
6.43pmSo there we have it. No real surprises in the Depor XI this evening as Lucas Perez leads the line once again with support from Faycal Fajr and Fede Cartabia. Any Newcastle United fans with us will notice that Jonas Gutierrez also starts for the home side, while Pedro Mosquera and Costa Rican international Celso Borges will hold the midfield. Luis Alberto and Juanfran are both among the substitutes.
6.46pmAtletico, meanwhile, are unchanged from their 2-1 win over Valencia last weekend. Luciano Vietto remains the capital side's only long-term absentee, but Fernando Torres and Angel Correa are both on the bench. Jackson Martinez and Yannick Ferreira Carraso both scored last time out and keep their spots in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann. Tiago, Koke and Gabi will form the midfield three.
6.50pmSo there we have it. The team news is in and we are now less than 45 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Spain. Atletico will fancy their chances of claiming all the points tonight, but Deportivo are a different prospect this season. They managed to stave off the threat of relegation on the final weekend last term and have gone from strength-to-strength in the new campaign.
6.53pmIn fact, only five teams in La Liga have taken more points than Deportivo this season and three of those are Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico. Victor Sanchez's side have won three of their nine league games this term, drawing four and losing twice. Scoring goals has also not been a problem, with the Galician outfit finding the back of the net on 14 occasions, which is the same number as Atletico.
6.56pmDeportivo opened their La Liga season with a 0-0 draw at home to Real Sociedad, before drawing with Valencia at the end of August. Their first win of the campaign came away to Rayo Vallecano on September 14, but they were then beaten by Sporting Gijon at home. Back-to-back wins over Real Betis and Espanyol towards the end of the month, however, moved them into the top six.
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6.59pmSanchez's side are actually without a win in three league games, however, having drawn with both Granada and Athletic Bilbao, and lost 2-0 at Malaga last time out. It is still expected to be a difficult campaign for Deportivo and much of their success could depend on the form of Lucas Perez, who has already found the back of the net on five occasions this season. The 27-year-old indeed starts tonight.
7.02pm"We have always had our feet on the ground," Depor midfielder Pedro Mosquera, who also starts tonight, told reporters earlier this week. "We know what we have to do, we know it will not be easy this season. At the moment we are doing very well. We are in sixth place but we know that teams are close to us. We have played nine games and lost only two. It's a good balance."
7.05pmAs for Atletico, they have made a solid start to the season. A total of 19 points from nine matches has left them third in the table, but as mentioned, victory this evening would take them to the summit, with Real Madrid and Barcelona not in action until tomorrow. It would be a surprise if Atletico ended Week 10 on top, but they will be keen to put down a marker in this match.
7.08pmAs expected, Atletico have been strong defensively this season, with just five goals conceded in their nine games to date. Only Real Madrid (three) have conceded fewer at this stage, but Atletico have only scored 14 times, which is far from the best record in the league. Another summer of change has been testing for Diego Simeone, but the club's new signings are starting to settle into the team.
7.12pmAtletico opened their league season with a 1-0 win over Las Palmas, before moving on to six points with an impressive 3-0 victory at Sevilla. They were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona at the start of September, but back-to-back 2-0 wins over Eibar and Getafe got their campaign back on track. Simeone's side lost their second league match of the season at Villarreal, however, who along with Celta Vigo, make up the current top five in Spain's top flight. Kickoff is fast approaching in La Coruna tonight.
7.15pmAtletico are unbeaten in the month of October, however, with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid before the international break followed by strong victories over Real Sociedad and Valencia. Last time out, goals from Carrasco and Martinez saw the capital side record a 2-1 win over Valencia, who made it a nervy final 15 minutes at the Vicente Calderon when Paco Alcacer converted from the penalty spot.
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7.18pmThe capital outfit are also going pretty well in their Champions League group having picked up six points from their three matches thus far. They opened with a 2-0 win in Galatasaray, before losing 2-1 at home to Benfica at the end of September. The Spanish side moved onto six points in the section, however, with a thumping 4-0 win over Kazakhstan outfit Astana on October 21.
7.21pmAtletico are once again the third favourites to win the Spanish title this season, but with Real Madrid and Barcelona both having problems of their own in the opening months, Simeone might fancy leading his side to another championship. If that is to occur then these are the type of games that Atletico have to win. Last season, they simply dropped too many points on the road.
7.24pm
Calentando motores...ahí detrás solo faltas tú ... en 20 minutos empezamos ¡Te esperamos! #DaleDÉ pic.twitter.com/PnOeZhaO3x
— RC Deportivo (@RCDeportivo) October 30, 20157.27pmPREDICTION! Deportivo have impressed me this season, but I fancy Atletico to secure all the points tonight. I like the balance in their team and just think that they will have too much in the final third for the home side's defence. I am backing Atletico to record a 2-0 victory in La Coruna this evening.
0 minKICKOFF! Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the field for the first 45 minutes of this La Liga contest. As expected, there is a strong atmosphere inside the stadium, with the home supporters turning up in their numbers. Right, it is the visitors that get the action underway...
2 min... Simeone must have been delighted with his team's performance against Valencia last time out. It is not like the Argentine to name an unchanged XI. The home side have had most of the ball in the opening couple of minutes, with the likes of Lopo and Sidnei exchanging possession at the back.
4 minNot too much to report in terms of attacking football in the early exchanges, with both defences on top thus far. Atletico attempt to build something down the right with Koke and Juanfran, but Fajr is across to clear the danger towards Perez, whose low cross causes no problems for Atletico's Oblak.
6 minYou just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be important tonight. Deportivo have plenty of talent in their XI, but Atletico hardly ever give up leads. Martinez has just started to cause some problems with his pace, but Sidnei has had the striker's number thus far here.
7 minGimenez tests Lux in the Deportivo goal with a header that angles towards the far post, but it was always a comfortable save for the Argentine, who takes a barge off Godin for good measure!
10 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the last two or three minutes, with both teams struggling to find that elusive final pass. Perez's pace takes him away from Godin down the left, but Gimenez is on the cover to clear for Atletico. An Interesting tactical battle is developing here.
12 minAtletico will have wanted to have put down an early marker in this match, but the home side have been full of energy and pressing, feeding off the vocal supporters. Atletico are playing the better football in the final third, but neither goalkeeper has been particularly worried thus far at the Riazor.
13 minCHANCE! First real sight of goal for Atletico as Carrasco pokes a super pass into Martinez, who spins and strikes, but Sidnei is across to make an excellent block. Top defending from the Brazilian!
15 minBOOKING! Fajr (Deportivo) is booked for a late challenge on Juanfran.
17 minThe match is just starting to warm up, with the referee being put under pressure due to a number of tasty challenges. Atletico are also starting to find pockets of space in the final third of the field.
19 minThe home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but Atletico are on top in terms of possession and are looking the more likely to make the breakthrough. Atletico's third corner of the match is delivered towards the near post, but Lopo is on hand to clear.
22 minDeportivo are largely relying on their ability to counter attack in this match, which is not pleasing the home supporters. In truth, Atletico have not been worried in the opening 22 minutes of action. The visitors are seeing plenty of the ball, but clear chances have been few and far between tonight.
24 minSidnei again wins his personal battle with Martinez following a super Gabi pass, which had been collected by the Atletico forward. Deportivo's Brazilian defender has had an excellent start here.
25 minMartinez finds a yard of space outside the Deportivo box, but his effort is well wide of the post.
27 minWell, it has not been the best 27 minutes of La Liga football this season, with chances very much at a premium. Atletico are having all of the possession, but Deportivo's back four, particularly Sidnei, have been very strong thus far. Simeone will surely want his team to play with more pace and purpose.
30 minLucas is working very hard for Deportivo at the moment, but the number seven is lacking support. The attacker is certainly causing Godin some problems, but Gimenez has been across on the cover on a number of occasions. Overall, a frustrating opening 30 minutes for both teams tonight in La Coruna.
32 minIt has not quite happened for Martinez tonight, with Atletico's central striker struggling to get the better of a physical Deportivo defence. That said, the hosts are not really offering anything in the final third. We are in need of a goal, there is no getting away from that. We need some inspiration!
34 minThe referee has not been interested in handing out soft free kicks in this game and Luis is the latest player to have a decision go against him. All Atletico possession here, but no clear chances.
34 minGOAL! Deportivo 0-1 Atletico (Tiago)
35 minAtletico make the breakthrough in the 34th minute as Tiago hammers one into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty box. It was very untidy defending from Deportivo, but nothing untidy about the finish from the 34-year-old Portuguese. The game needed something like that.
37 minDeportivo will need to start forcing the issue at some point after spending most of this game on the back foot, but that will create more space for Atletico, who as it stands, are heading top of the table.
38 minStunning work from Carrasco as the Atletico attacker uses his pace and power to drive past two challenges and win a corner for his team. Simeone would have enjoyed that, it was excellent.
39 minPOST! Atletico come close to doubling their lead as a deep Gabi corner is met by Godin, but his header smashes against the post before Griezmann fires straight at Lux. Deportivo living dangerously!
42 minThe home side defended very well in the opening 30 minutes of this match, but cracks are now starting to slow and Atletico look ready to score their second of the evening. Fede finds space down the Atletico left before delivering towards Lucas, but it is Godin, who else, that makes first contact.
44 minIt might only be 1-0, but Atletico are very, very comfortable at the moment. I suspect that Deportivo boss Victor Sanchez might look to change his formation or indeed personnel at the break here.
45 minAnother half-chance for Atletico as Juanfran picks out Carrasco just outside the Deportivo box, but Laure manages to deflect the Belgian's effort over the crossbar. Could have easily been 2-0!
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Deportivo 0-1 Atletico
8.17pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading Deportivo 1-0 courtesy of Tiago's first league goal of the season. In truth, the visitors have been in total control thus far, with Deportivo struggling to make their mark in the final third. Atletico are heading top of La Liga.
8.22pmSTATS! Deportivo have not had a single attempt on goal this evening, while they have only had 31% of the possession, which is an indication of their troubles. As for Atletico, they have had 10 attempts, three of which were on target. The visitors could well be two or three goals ahead at this point. There have been some tasty challenges at the Riazor, but just one booking, with Fajr having his name taken.
8.27pmBENCH WATCH! Deportivo boss Victor Sanchez might well look to alter proceedings at the interval and he has options on his bench in the shape of Luis Alberto, Medunjanin, Juanfran and Jonathan Rodriguez. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Fernando Torres, Oliver Torres and Angel Correa in reserve tonight. Martinez has been a little off the pace thus far in La Coruna.
46 minRESTART! Both sets of players have re-joined us on the field for the second 45 minutes at the Riazor. Can the hosts respond? It is Sanchez's side that resume proceedings on their own patch...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops in La Coruna.
49 minNot too much to report in terms of attacking football in the early stages of this half, but Deportivo have taken up a higher position. You just get the feeling that the hosts need to score the game's next goal if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result. Advice? Do not let Atletico go 2-0.
49 minBetter from the hosts as Jonas finds space down the left before delivering towards Lucas, but Oblak is nice and strong and indeed able to claim the cross. Deportivo will need more of that this half.
50 minFede then cuts inside and fires over as Deportivo enjoy a decent period.
52 minDeportivo are certainly having a go at the moment, with Fede and Jonas closer to Lucas, who has the ability to cause problems. Atletico are always a threat on the counter, however, and a second for the visitors at this stage would be a big blow to the home team. It is so delicately poised here.
54 minBoth managers have sent players to warm-up on the sidelines, which is not much of a surprise as the hour mark approaches in La Coruna. Deportivo have players on their bench capable of making an impact, while Atletico's bench is also full of quality. It remains 1-0 to the visitors with 54 played.
56 minThe home supporters are not best pleased with the referee once again as Sidnei is penalised following a coming-together with Griezmann. The resulting free kick is played short, however, and eventually cleared by Laure. It is the home team looking the more likely to score at this stage.
58 minSAVE! Atletico's goalkeeper Oblak is called into action to deny Fede after the Depor attacker had released a strike from outside the box. All of the pressure is coming from the home side.
59 minAgain Oblak is forced to deny Fede as Deportivo continue to commit numbers in the final third. It would not be a surprise if Simeone was considering freshening his team up at this stage.
61 minATLETICO SUB! Indeed a change is made as Correa replaces Carrasco.
63 minLucas collects a searching pass from Sidnei before attempting to find space inside the Atletico box, but Godin is quickly on the scene to clear for a corner. The visitors are really under pressure here.
65 minThe ball is not really sticking with Martinez at the moment and it would not be a surprise to see Simeone introduce Fernando Torres in the next few minutes. In truth, it has been a second period dominated by the home team, who will feel that they deserve to be level at this stage of proceedings.
68 minFajr has the chance to threaten the Atletico defence with a free kick just outside the box, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Oblak, who takes the pressure off his back four. Atletico have not really had a chance of note in this second half, but they are becoming a threat on the counter.
70 minAtletico are almost in their element here as they continue to defend deep. Godin and Gimenez both love high balls into the box and the Uruguayan pair have been excellent defensively tonight.
70 minDEPORTIVO SUB! Luis Alberto replaces Jonas for the hosts.
72 minLittle under 20 minutes of football remaining in La Coruna and the visitors still lead courtesy of Tiago's first-half effort. As it stands, the visitors are moving to the top of the table, but you just sense that there is another goal in this game as Deportivo continue to commit numbers forward.
72 minATLETICO SUB! Saul Niguez replaces Martinez for the visitors.
74 minAtletico have just managed to ease the pressure in the last couple of minutes with a period of sustained possession, which has quietened the home supporters with 15 minutes or so to play.
76 minDEPORTIVO SUB! Laure is replaced by Juanfran.
77 minGOAL! Deportivo 1-1 Atletico (Lucas)
78 minDeportivo equalise in the 77th minute as Perez takes advantage of a poor mistake from Gimenez before dancing into the box and rolling his effort into the bottom corner. Gimenez was caught out by the striker near the goal-line and we are now all square with little over 10 minutes remaining!
80 minThe atmosphere inside the stadium has taken off, with the home supporters now screaming for a second goal. Atletico will need to be careful as they continue to wobble at the back here.
82 minIf Atletico have title ambitions then these are the type of games that they need to be winning. Simeone knows it and he is now very animated on the sidelines. We could be in for some finish.
83 minATLETICO SUB! Fernando Torres replaces Tiago for the visitors.
85 minEnd-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as both teams go in search of what would be a certain winner at this stage of the match. You just sense that something is waiting to happen.
87 minCROSSBAR! Fajr comes close to sending the home side ahead after curling one towards the top corner, but it smashes against the crossbar and Atletico manage to clear - what a hit!
89 minAtletico are finding it difficult to deal with Fede at the moment as the home team continue to cause problems in the final third, but the visitors have a number of dangerous counter-attacking players.
90 minBOOKING! Fede (Deportivo) is booked for dissent.
90 min+1Three minutes of added time...
90 min+2... both teams are committing numbers forward, but neither can find that elusive pass and it does appear that the points will be shared. On balance, that would be a fair result in La Coruna.
90 min+3Another Atletico counter breaks down and we have just 30 seconds remaining here.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Deportivo 1-1 Atletico
9.20pmSo there we have it. Atletico miss the chance to go top of the La Liga table following a 1-1 draw with Deportivo, who equalised in the 77th minute through Lucas. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join me again tomorrow for more La Liga action. Until next time!
