Mandzukic finds the net as Diego’s men triumph

Madrid, Aug. 31: Spanish league champions Atletico Madrid recorded their first victory of the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over newly-promoted Eibar on Saturday.First-half headers from Miranda and Mario Mandzukic ultimately proved decisive, but Atletico were given a scare after Abraham’s brilliant strike had brought Eibar back into the game.The visitors had a great chance to level the game three minutes from time, but Angel’s effort trickled inches past the far post as Atletico held on.

 

“Games at the beginning of the season are always difficult,” said Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who was serving the second of an eight-match touchline ban.“The start of the match was good, we went in front but we lacked rhythm after that.“We are aware that we have to work and improve. I didn’t like the game, but it is always good to win,’ he added.

 

Simeone’s men had been held 0-0 at local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Monday, but normal service appeared to have been resumed by two set-piece goals inside the first 25 minutes. —