Atletico Madrid loses again

Atletico Madrid loses again

Atletico Madrid's woeful season continued as new manager Quique Sanchez Flores watched them lose flatly against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

Fourth from bottom with just one win in the league so far this season going into the game, Sanchez Flores was looking for improvement after replacing the sacked Abel Resino.

However, Javi Martinez's first-half header ensured they left the Basque Country empty-handed with the home side moving back up to seventh in La Liga.

The opening stages were tight with Antonio Lopez's 10th-minute shot from distance, which failed to trouble Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz, the only action of any real note.

It was the capital side who continued to press and had another opportunity three minutes later. Striker Diego Forlan whipped the ball into the box and forced Iraizoz to commit himself. The keeper got something on the ball but could not hold it and Simao Sabrosa rifled the loose ball against the bar.

Still Athletic could not clear it and Sergio Aguero hammered it goalwards from the middle of the box with defender Ustaritz managing to block it and deal with the danger.

Paulo Assuncao was booked for the visitors after fouling defender Fernando Amorebieta.

In the 16th minute Simao tried his luck from 25-yards with a free-kick which went over the bar.

And with 18 minutes gone the Basques went in front with their only chance of the match so far.

Simao fouled Markel Susaeta rather needlessly and when Koikili whipped the free-kick in from the right, energetic midfielder Javi Martinez powered home with his head.

Striker Gaizka Toquero tried his luck moments later but failed to trouble Atletico Madrid keeper Sergio Asenjo as he caught it easily.

Atletico were stumped and the assault continued, Susaeta shooting speculatively and seeing his effort go wide.

In the 26th minute Koikili had a crack himself from 25 yards only for Asenjo to prove equal to the effort.

Atletico earned a couple of corners but failed to capitalise on the chance to fight their way back into the match.

With half-time approaching Oscar De Marcos' right-footed shot was parried by Asenjo and at the other end Iraizoz dealt with Simao's long-range effort.

Argentinian winger Maxi Rodriguez had been woefully quiet during the first half but began the second by getting amongst the action. A shot in the 46th minute went wide of the post before he somehow scuffed a shot from point-blank range right of the post.

Raul Garcia produced yet another poor effort for Atletico as his shot shortly before the hour mark failed to trouble Iraizoz.

Sanchez Flores hauled Maxi off in the 60th minute, replacing him with Jurado.

Simao continued to look Atletico's brightest hope despite his 62nd-minute effort being barely more threatening than his previous attempts.

However, the visitors' front two began to come to life with 15 minutes left.

First, Forlan unleashed a trademark 30-yard shot which hit the post and bounced away in the 75th minute.

Encouraged by that try, his partner Aguero smashed a 30-yard effort against the bar with Iraizoz beaten a minute later.

Iraizoz was equal to a good shot by Forlan moments later when the Uruguay international again had a go from outside the box, the Basque keeper tipping the ball round the post after getting down smartly.

However those efforts were all the visitors could manage as their fightback suddenly fizzled out, Athletic holding on for what was a hugely welcome victory.