Atletico Madrid moved one point clear at the top of LaLiga with a 2-0 victory over Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.
Diego Simeone’s side survived an early test before taking control of the contest. Levante threatened after 11 minutes when Daniel Requena’s fierce effort from 15 yards forced an excellent save from Jan Oblak.
Atletico thought they had taken the lead shortly after the quarter-hour mark. Morten Hjulmand finished smartly from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The visitors continued to improve as the first half progressed and came close again when Marcos Llorente’s long-range attempt was kept out by Mathew Ryan.
Levante’s resistance was finally broken in the 36th minute after Jon Ander Olasagasti made a defensive error. Alejandro Grimaldo reacted quickly, driving his fourth league goal of the season into the net from inside the box.
That strike ensured Atletico reached half-time ahead. They have conceded only one first-half goal in LaLiga this season, an indication of their defensive strength.
Atletico appeared to have doubled their advantage early in the second half when David Hancko found the net, but his effort was immediately disallowed for offside. Moments later, Kang-In Lee saw a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area come back off the crossbar.
The second goal eventually arrived when Giuliano Simeone ran on to Alex Baena’s well-weighted through ball and calmly placed his finish beyond Ryan.
Levante were handed a chance to reduce the deficit midway through the second half after an error by Llorente, but Karl Etta Eyong missed from just six yards.
It proved to be the hosts’ final meaningful opportunity to recover a result. Atletico controlled the closing stages effectively to secure a third successive league clean sheet and their eighth goal conceded in 11 LaLiga matches.
Levante missed the chance to extend their unbeaten home run to three games and remain one point above the relegation zone. They have dropped one place to 16th in the table.
Atletico must now turn their attention to the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, with Bayern Munich due to visit on Tuesday.
Alejandro Grimaldo was named Flashscore Man of the Match.
