Atletico Madrid have come from a goal down to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 at San Mames to regain top spot in La Liga.
© Getty Images
Bilbao took the lead with just six minutes on the clock through Iker Muniain, who lifted his effort over the onrushing Thibaut Courtois after being played in by Mikel San Jose.
Diego Costa almost levelled the match shortly after, but he was unable to beat Gorka Iraizoz when in a one-on-one situation, with the Lions' keeper making a fine save.
Costa did find a way past Iraizoz on 22 minutes, however, collecting a loose pass from Ander Iturraspe and finishing into the bottom corner.
It could have been even better for Atletico ahead of the interval when Filipe Luis combined with Costa before finding Raul Garcia at the back post, but he put his effort high and wide.
© Getty Images
Costa very nearly doubled his tally three minutes into the second half, but he failed to find the target when picked out by Koke.
Bilbao should have made the visitors pay for their missed opportunities when Oscar de Marcos was gifted a chance from close range, but he fired over the crossbar.
It proved costly as Atletico completed their turnaround courtesy of Koke after 56 minutes, with the midfielder converting a cross into the box from Luis to make it 2-1.
Ernesto Valverde's side had a penalty appeal turned down with 10 minutes remaining following Arda Turan's challenge on Gaizka Toquero, with the referee waving away strong appeals.
Courtois was forced into an important save to ensure that Los Colchoneros left San Mames with all three points, clawing Aritz Aduriz's header wide of the post from close range.
Bilbao were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages following Aymeric Laporte's dismissal, and Atletico held out for the victory which takes them back to the summit.
