French forward Kevin Gameiro scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 34th minute in a generally underwhelming display against relegation-threatened Deportivo. Gameiro started on his own in attack for Atletico as top scorer Griezmann was suspended and Costa was recovering from muscle discomfort, although the Spain international came on in the second half, replacing 19-year-old debutant Carlos Isaac. Deportivo have still not managed to win in 2018 but created the better of the chances against Diego Simeone's side. In the second half, Atletico defender Lucas Hernandez made a perfectly timed challenge to swipe the ball from the feet of Perez as he was racing towards goal. "We can touch fourth place with our fingers but it's not assured yet," coach Marcelino said referring to the club's chances of securing a Champions League spot for the first time since 2015.

Source: The Star April 01, 2018 21:19 UTC